FC St. PauliSands won the MLS Cup with New York City FC in 2021 and was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2022. He has also represented the United States at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, winning the tournament in 2021.
James Sands is a 25-year-old American defensive midfielder who began his professional career with New York City FC in MLS, where he won the MLS Cup in 2021. He has also represented the United States at the youth and senior levels, earning caps in 2021. In 2023, he joined German club FC St. Pauli on loan, showcasing his versatility in midfield and defense.
Sands is a composed and intelligent defensive midfielder known for his excellent reading of the game and ability to break up opposition attacks. He is comfortable in possession, often dictating play from deep with precise passing, but can sometimes struggle with pace and physicality against faster opponents. His tactical discipline and positional awareness make him a reliable shield for the backline.