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Player name: Sebastián Saucedo
Position: Midfielder, Attacker
Last club: Veracruz, Liga MX (loan from Real Salt Lake)
One thing you need to know
Real Salt Lake homegrown player Sebastian Saucedo has usually played in a midfield role, but he is able to play in most attacking roles as well. He’s played for Real Monarchs, RSL, Veracruz, and the US at the U18 & U20 level — plus one appearance for the U20s Mexican National Team in a friendly.
One interesting fact about Saucedo is that he is nicknamed “Bofo” after Adolfo Bautista, AKA el Bofo, because Saucedo’s father would shave his head as a child, making him look like the bald Mexican player.
What he brings to the team
Saucedo brings a wide skill set to Real. He is experienced in the midfield, but can also play in the attack. He knows the RSL origination about as well as a young player can, and his loan in Mexico has helped develop him into a more mature, versatile player. All the goals he has to his name have come from international appearances rather than club. He’s proved for both RSL and the Monarchs that he’s willing to take shots and be involved in the attack.
Why you should be excited
Bofo is yet another academy product that gained meaningful minutes with the Monarchs and can now contribute to the senior team. His skill and versatility speak not only to his talent, but also to an origination that is producing solid young players. With guys like Lennon, Silva, and Barrett ahead of him, he’s not likely to get a ton of minutes, but he does add meaningful depth to the team and he’s shown a hunger to prove himself.
His recent performance with the US U20s against Saint Kitts and Nevis demonstrated that he is able to score goals (two in that match). It’s always exciting to have players on the national team, and Bofo is proving he belongs at that level. If he can translate that magic to RSL, it will mean he’s set himself apart from the rest and is contributing meaningful performances.
Predictions for 2017
- At least three off the bench goals
- Two or more starts for RSL
- Four shots that are ridiculously off target, immediately followed by an embarrassed smile