• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
US Soccer Players

US Soccer Players

The official site of the USMNT Soccer Players with soccer news, schedule, statistics, players, interviews, and exclusive stories.

  • Home
  • Players
  • Games
  • News
  • Guides
  • About Us
  • Show Search
Hide Search
james sands with 2021 gold cup trophy

Defender/Midfielder

James Sands

6'1"

Biography of USMNT player James Sands who plays his club soccer for Rangers on loan from NYCFC.
Caps: 13

James Sands quickly emerged as an option for the USMNT in 2021 in part due to his ability to play as a defender or in midfield. Giving a coach a tactical option helped Sands emerge from the NYCFC academy as a first team player in 2017. By 2019, he was a regular with NYCFC building up a reputation as either a defensive midfielder or a defender. That versatility worked at USMNT level as well, with Sands part of the 2021 Gold Cup winning squad. Won the 2021 MLS Cup with New York. Moved to Rangers in January, 2022 on loan, returning to NYCFC on March 1, 2023.

Photo by John Dorton – ISIPhotos.com

USMNT Experience

2023

Started against Mexico on April 19. Started the Jun 24 Gold Cup game against Jamaica and against Saint Kitts and Nevis on Jun 28. Started the Jul 2 game against Trinidad and Tobago. Started against Canada in the quarterfinals on Jul 9 and against Panama in the semifinals on Jul 12.

2021

After making 42 appearances with the USMNT U-17s, Sands was called into the 2021 Gold Cup squad. He won his first senior cap

Professional Experience

2022-23

With Rangers from the beginning of the Premiership season until Mar 1, 2023 when he returned to NYCFC.

2022

Moved to Rangers on loan on Jan 5, finishing 2nd and runner-up in the Europa League.

2021

An MLS All-Star, won MLS Cup with NYCFC after finishing 4th in the East.

2020

Played in 16 games for NYCFC.

2019-20

Emerged as a regular for NYCFC making 19 MLS appearances.

2018-19

Played in three games for NYCFC and three more on loan to Louisville City.

2017

Joined NYCFC as a homegrown player, getting one game late in the season.

Youth and College

Part of the NYCFC academy system.

James Sands News

usmnt-huddle-july-9-2023-vs-canada-gold-cup

USMNT fall 2023 look ahead

Sands, Busio, Jones, and Ferreira during the 2023 Gold Cup

usmnt-vs-panama-july-12-2023-gold-cup-semifinals

USMNT 1 – Panama 1, 4-5 on penalties, 2023 Gold Cup semifinals

goalkeeper-matt-turner-usmnt-vs-canada-gold-cup-july-9-2023

USMNT 2 – Canada 2, 3-2 on penalties, 2023 Gold Cup quarterfinals

djordje-mihailovic-usmnt-vs-trinidad-and-tobago-july-2-2023-gold-cup

Djordje Mihailovic’s all around performances in the USMNT midfield

More James Sands news

Squad
Results
FIFA Rankings
Alumni

USMNT News
USMNT Players in MLS
USMNT Players Abroad
Newsletter

About US Soccer Players
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Sponsorship and Licensing

  

© 2023 USNSTPA • Contact • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved - USNSTPA