Cooper Sanchez
ATL
CM (AM)
Box-to-Box
Mar 26, 2008 (18)
5'8"
Atlanta UnitedOut due to concussion protocol
Sanchez is out for Wednesday's match against Orlando City SC since he's in the concussion protocol.
Analysis: Sanchez exited the weekend match against Inter Miami due to an undisclosed concern, but the central midfielder is dealing with a concussion, so it's unclear when he'll be able to play again. He might be in a race against time to feature Saturday against D.C. United, with a more likely return date being the Sept. 19 match at Portland.
Injured in Miami clash
Sanchez left Saturday's match against Inter Miami due to an undisclosed concern.
Analysis: Sanchez had taken a knock earlier in the match and didn't get a chance to improve a quiet performance during his fifth consecutive league start. This issue makes the youngster questionable for upcoming weeks, with Mauricio Amaro and Steven Alzate offering alternatives in central midfield. Whether Sanchez is able to return in the short term will depend on the diagnosis of his situation.
One chance created Sunday
Sanchez recorded one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.
Analysis: Sanchez was back in the middle Sunday as he typically has been this summer, although it wasn't his brightest match, as he would only notch a chance created and one cross in 77 minutes of play. This comes as the midfielder has struggled for goal contributions despite a regular role, recording no goals and one assist in 19 appearances (18 starts) this season.
Available after U20 duty
Sanchez (not injury related) is back in Atlanta United after representing the U20 USMNT team and is available for selection, according to Atlanta United beat reporter Doug Pederson.
Analysis: Sanchez played for the USMNT at the U20 level in the CONCACAF Championship, and he should resume his regular role in the middle of the park for the Five Stripes. Sanchez has started in 15 of his 16 MLS appearances this season, tallying one assist, 18 tackles, 12 interceptions and 471 passes as a holding midfielder.
Serving international duty
Sanchez will be unavailable for Atlanta in the next few games due to U20 international duty.
Analysis: Sanchez has played a consistent role in his club's midfield this year, so losing him for this international call-up could significantly reduce their ability to recover and retain possession of the ball. Steven Alzate (groin) is a natural replacement choice but hasn't played in official action since April 12, so depending on his status, Ignacio Suarez-Couri could also find a rare chance to feature while Sanchez is out.
Bags assist
Sanchez assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 3-1 win versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Sanchez would produce an assist Saturday as he helped with the final goal of the match, finding Saba Lobjandize in the 50th minute. This is the 18-year-old's first goal contribution of the season, coming in 11 appearances (10 starts). That said, he serves as more of a defensive midfielder, not seeing much work in the attack.
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