Defender/Midfielder
James Sands
6'1"
Biography of USMNT player James Sands who plays his club soccer on loan to St Pauli 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. He joined St Pauli on loan in January 2025.
Photos by 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
2025
Joined St Pauli on loan for the rest of the Bundesliga season on Jan 1. Played in seven games with St Pauli before a February ankle injury, finishing 14th in the Bundesliga
2024
Played in 29 league games with NYCFC, finishing 6th in the East and exiting the playoffs in the conference finals.
2023
Finished 11th in the East with NYCFC, playing in 26 games.
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.
