In the 27th minute of the Columbus Crew’s 2-2 draw against Atlanta United, fullback Pedro Santos left the field with a hamstring injury. Before rookie defender Will Sands entered the match for the Black & Gold, the irony of the moment wasn’t lost on head coach Caleb Porter.
Nearly three months prior, in the 24th minute, Santos left the match again with an injury. It was Sands’ second appearance in MLS, but his first substantial minutes against an opposing first team in league play.
Before crossing the sideline Sunday, Porter reminded the rookie of the moment of déjà vu before sending Sands out for an impressive performance.