James Sands began 2019 as a young prospect considered a long shot for regular minutes with New York City FC, and someone unlikely to be part of Tab Ramos's Under-20 World Cup plans.
Four months into the year, Sands has become a consistent starter for NYCFC, and is playing well enough to be considered a contender for the U.S. U-20 World Cup team.
Sands has started all nine NYCFC matches this season – including a solid 90-minute shift in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Orlando City – and has done so playing two different positions.