Introduction
James Hoban Sands (born July 6, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender and midfielderfor New York City of Major League Soccer. He became the NYCFC's first ever homegrown player in July 2017.
Club career
Youth
Sands joined New York Soccer Club, an affiliate team of New York City, at the age of 10. In 2015, he joined New York City after the inception of the Under-16 Academy side, alongside his twin brother, Will Sands.
New York City
In January 2017, Sands became the first Academy player to be included in the New York City roster for pre-season. On June 27, 2017, he signed his first professional contract to begin on July 1. The deal made him the club's first ever homegrown player. Sands made his professional debut on September 16, 2017, coming on as a substitute for Andrea Pirlo in a 1–1 draw against Colorado Rapids.
In 2019, Sands has been a regular starter for NYCFC, first as a defensive midfielder, and then as the central defender in a three-man back line once the Pigeons switched formations.
Louisville City
In 2018, Sands joined Louisville City in the second-division USL on a short-term loan from August 15 through September 1. Sands worked in Louisville under John Hackworth, who had previously coached Sands with the United States U17 team.
International career
Sands regularly featured for the United States Under-17s rather than New York City during the 2017 season and helped the nation finish second in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championships in May. The United States eventually lost to Mexico in a penalty shootout, although Sands scored his and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
Career statistics
- As of April 26, 2019.
| Year | Club | GP | GS | G | MINS | A | SHTS | SOG | FC | OFF | Y | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | New York City FC | 18 | 18 | 0 | 1480 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 | New York City FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 223 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | New York City FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Totals | - | 22 | 21 | 0 | 1726 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 34 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Honors
Individual
- CONCACAF Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament: May 2017.