In all likelihood, sometime by the end of March, James Sands will surpass the season total of matches and minutes he played last year. He will likely best his cumulative career numbers for appearances and minutes during that stretch as well. Such is the accelerated and promising development of a player who could have a significant role for club and country over the next decade.



The 18-year old Sands made a second straight start in the heart of midfield for New York City FC on Sunday in a scoreless home draw with D.C. United. For the first time in his young career, Sands went the full 90 minutes, showing plenty of poise mixed with potential. There is reason to believe that after his first true breakthrough last fall, that Sands is set to keep his starting spot with NYCFC.



Last September, Sands earned the first three starts of his professional career under Dome Torrent, who took over the club mid-summer. But in the final three regular season games and then in the...