James Sands was one of the few bright spots for the U.S. men’s national team despite the Americans suffering elimination from the Concacaf Gold Cup on Wednesday.
Sands earned SBI Man of the Match honors at Snapdragon Stadium in the USMNT’s 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Panama, a result which ended the Americans’ hopes of repeating as tournament winners. The New York City FC midfielder logged 120 minutes in the heart of B.J. Callaghan’s midfield, capping off a strong individual tournament on home soil.
Sands won six of his seven duels in midfield, while also leading all players with four fouls drawn. He also made four interceptions, completed one tackle, and completed 86% of his passes, helping keep the USMNT together when Panama easily could’ve scored a few goals in regulation.
The 24-year-old started all five of his appearances in the Gold Cup, tying Landon Donovan’s USMNT record by making 10-consecutive starts in the tournament, dating back to 2021. Although Sands’ summer didn’t end with him lifting the Gold Cup trophy, he will head back to NYCFC with a major confidence boost.
In total, Sands made five Gold Cup starts, registered 476 minutes, won 35 of his 48 duels, completed nine of his 17 tackles won, made seven interceptions, drew 14 fouls, and made 42 recoveries.
Sands edged out Jesus Ferreira, Matt Turner, and DeJuan Jones for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Sands’ performance tonight and this tournament? Do you see him being in the mix come September camp?
Share your thoughts below.
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