Irvine Valley sophomore standout midfielder Cristian Sanchez has committed to NCAA Division II Concordia University in Irvine.
He had a special two seasons playing at IVC, including helping the Lasers to an Orange Empire Conference title in the fall of 2025.
After dethroning two-time conference champion, Fullerton, the Lasers were well rewarded with a number of All-OEC selections, highlighted by Sanchez.
The midfielder was named the OEC's most valuable player and was one of the heart and souls of the Laser squad.
Sanchez, a captain for Irvine Valley, helped lead his team to a 10-3-1 conference record (13-7-1 overall).
His two-way play in all 21 contests (21 starts) helped pave the way for several of his teammates to join him on this year's team of all-stars.
Irvine Valley finished with a record of 13-8-1 overall and reached the So. Cal. Regional playoffs.
Sanchez, out of San Juan Hills High, played in a total of 41 matches over his two seasons at Irvine Valley and made 34 starts.
He had two goals and one assist when Irvine Valley ended with a record of 8-12-1 overall.
Sanchez is headed to a Concordia squad that ended with a record of 8-7-1 overall last season and went 6-4 in the PacWest Conference.
