James Sands battles Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera (16) during the Gold Cup final Sunday. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)
Less than a month after helping the U.S. men’s national team best the Mexico national team in the Concacaf Gold Cup final Sunday, New York City FC defender James Sands will get another opportunity to defeat a Mexican squad.
On Wednesday, he was chosen to the MLS all-star team as one of Los Angeles FC head coach Bob Bradley’s selections.
The MLS all-stars will meet the Liga MX all-stars in Los Angeles Aug. 25 at 9 p.m. ET.
A native of Rye, N.Y., Sands became the first NYCFC Homegrown player to be named to the all-star team. This is the 21-year-old’s second inclusion in the league’s all-star festivities as he played in the 2018 MLS Homegrown Game.
This was the sixth consecutive year a NYCFC player was selected (the 2020 All-Star Game was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Sands started the club’s opening 10 matches this season before he was called into Gold Cup squad. He made his full international debut in the group stage against Haiti. He started the remaining five matches on defense as the USMNT defeat Mexico to win the cup, 1-0, Sunday. The Americans never conceded a goal from open play.
The MLS roster
Goalkeepers (2): Pedro Gallese (Orlando City SC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders (9): Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy), Jesus Murillo (Los Angeles FC), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders FC), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), James Sands (New York City FC), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union), Yeimar Gomez Andrade (Seattle Sounders FC), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)
Midfielders (7): Eduard Atuesta (Los Angeles FC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake), Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders FC), Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United FC), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew)
Forwards/Wingers (10): Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution), Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes), Javier Hernandez (LA Galaxy), Nani (Orlando City SC), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas), Diego Rossi (Los Angeles FC), Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders FC), Daniel Salloi (Sporting Kansas City), Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC)