While most students begin searching for job opportunities upon graduating from N.C. State, former Wolfpack soccer star Alan Sanchez has already got the ball rolling in his professional career.    After leading the Pack on a run to the ACC Championship game and second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2009, Sanchez has split time between the Real Maryland Monarchs and Crystal Palace Baltimore in his first professional season.   “It’s been a blessing to be able to pursue a professional career in soccer,” Sanchez said. “I know that I have to take advantage of my opportunity because there are a million people behind you trying to get your spot on the team. I just feel really grateful for the position that I am in now.”   The former Pack midfielder played a full season for the Monarchs in the United Soccer League’s second division before receiving the opportunity to play for Crystal Palace of the USSF Div. II league.   “I came into preseason with [Crystal] Palace but did not sign with them,” Sanchez said. “I got signed to Real Maryland and played a full season for them. After the coach saw me play a full season for the Monarchs, he thought I was ready to play for Palace and everything has worked out well since.”   The native of Miami, Fla. was a four-year starter at State from 2006-2010, finishing his collegiate career with 25 goals and 28 assists. Sanchez cited the rich history of the Wolfpack soccer program, coupled with the experience of coach George Tarantini as primary reasons for coming to Raleigh.    “I had a terrific experience at N.C. State,” Sanchez said. “Playing for the Pack was a great experience all around. There is a lot of history and pride in the Wolfpack soccer program and I just feel blessed to have been a part of that. . [Tarantini] is a very good coach and the fact that he’s from Argentina also factored into my decision to play for State.”   Sanchez hopes use the experience he gained while playing for the Pack as Crystal Palace is currently fighting for a spot in the playoffs with three games remaining in the regular season.   “We’re working really hard to try and make the playoffs,” Sanchez said. “We still have a shot at it. We have all the tools to make the postseason and we just have to put everything together. Hopefully with a little bit of luck, everything will work out.”   Whether Crystal Palace makes the playoffs or not, Sanchez plans on playing indoor soccer once his first professional outdoor season concludes.   “In the offseason, I hope to pursue a career in indoor soccer,” Sanchez said. “I’ve always played indoor soccer recreationally with friends, but never professionally. So I’d like to give it a shot and see what happens.”