It’s been a whirlwind year in the life of James Sands.
From being called up to the first-team for preseason, to playing in front of 40,000 fans in Ecuador, to signing his professional deal, NYCFC’s first-ever Homegrown Player is ticking off milestones in his young career at a startling rate.
The New York Soccer Club alum chalked up yet another historic moment last weekend when he took to the field as a 65th minute substitute in NYCFC’s 1-1 draw with Colorado Rapids.
Replacing Andrea Pirlo, who had just won the U21 European Championships with Italy when Sands was born in Rye, NY, James became NYCFC’s youngest-ever player at 17 years and 72 days.