CHICAGO (Jan. 15, 2018) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Monday that the club has re-signed goalkeeper Richard Sanchez for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, with a club option for 2020.

“We’re pleased to have Richard return to the Fire,” said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. “He got valuable minutes under his belt last season and we’re looking forward to his continued growth as a goalkeeper.”

Acquired on Aug. 11, 2017 through Major League Soccer’s Allocation Process, Sanchez made two appearances during the 2017 campaign.

Sanchez joined the Fire after spending time with Liga MX side Tigres UANL, who he represented from 2014-17. While in Mexico, Sanchez was loaned to FC Dallas in 2014 and Tampico Madero in 2016-17. Sanchez appeared in five matches for La Jaiba Brava in 2017.

“I’m excited to return to Chicago and I’m looking forward to getting back with the team to start preseason next week,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez began his professional career as a member of FC Dallas in 2011. In 2013 he was loaned to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and started 14 matches for the NASL side, recording a 1.428 goals against average and tallying three shutouts.

A Mexican youth international, Sanchez helped lead Mexico to a FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2011 and appeared in all four of Mexico’s matches in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013.