NYCFC’s James Sands played a crucial role for USMNT U17s as they lifted the Nike International Friendlies title this weekend.
The 16-year old from Rye, New York started the final game of the annual tournament as John Hackworth’s side beat Brazil 3-0 in Florida.
Goals from Ayo Akinola, Josh Sargent and Timothy Weah gave the team a third Nike International Friendlies title overall and a first since 2013.
That completed a perfect 3-0-0 weekend for the u17s who also beat Turkey (5-1) and Portugal (7-1).
Sands was part of a defense which conceded just two goals in the three games.