Francisco Salazar

Football player infobox
playername = Francisco Salazar


nickname = EL Tanque,EL Tren
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1987|8|22
height = height|ft=5|in=7
cityofbirth = Wayne
countryofbirth = U.S.A flagicon|USA
currentclub = flagicon|USA Red Bulls New York
clubnumber = 20
position = Midfielder
years = 2007 clubs = Red Bull New York]
Francisco Salazar (born August 22, 1987 in Paterson, New Jersey), is an American soccer player, He plays for the New York Red Bulls reserve team, second division.

Salazar, known as El Tanque ("The Tank") for his solid physique,graduated from Paterson's John F. Kennedy in 2006 and burst onto the soccer scene. Salazar is Regarded as a technically sound two-way player with fine attacking skills and an aggressive ball-winner who doesn’t shy away from tough tackles and strong challenges. He is a well composed midfielder who can provide quick-smart-crisp passes. From the roots of his Peruvian father and Romanian mother, Salazar signed a Player Developmental contract with Peruvian club team power house Alianza Lima in 2006, is the first American born soccer player to participate in the country's youth system.

Salazar, has played for local club teams such as Paterson Clash, Haledon F.C, Perth Amboy Santos, Belleville Stars and World Class Striker's. His popularity within the Soccer Community, due to his skills, style and leadership on the field, gave notice to a local coach landing him the opportunity to play in Peru. Even at 19, he is an exceptional prospect with a lot of talent in the midfield. With his impressive play in Peru, He was immediately noticed by the scouting staff of the MLS . He had offers from Toronto FC, Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, and Columbus Crew but instead in April 2007, EL Tanque signed over with the New York Red Bulls. Salazar is also sponsored by Nike Total 90.In September 2007, Salazar tore ligaments and tendons in his left ankle during a game in Dallas in the 70th minute. Due to the injury it has caused him to be out the 2008 MLS Player Draft. He is still recovering.