William Sands Bio
William Franklin Sands is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender and midfielder for Major League Soccer club New England Revolution. Born on July 6, 2000, in Rye, New York, he developed his skills in the New York City FC academy system before playing college soccer at Georgetown University. Sands has steadily built his career across Major League Soccer and its developmental ranks, earning recognition as a homegrown talent and contributing to team success at multiple levels.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, Sands combines physical presence with the versatility to operate in defensive and midfield roles. His path from youth soccer in New York to professional soccer has included a college national championship, a professional homegrown signing, and an in-league trade, all within the first half-decade of his career.
Early Life and Background
William Franklin Sands was born on July 6, 2000, in Rye, New York. He grew up in a family with strong ties to soccer, which helped shape his early passion for the sport. The New York metropolitan area offered a rich environment for a young athlete, with numerous clubs and competitive leagues available to aspiring players.
Sands began his organized youth career playing for New York Soccer Club, where he spent his earliest developmental years between 2010 and 2015. During this period, he built the technical foundation and tactical understanding that would later support his progression into one of the country's top academy systems. His performances with New York Soccer Club caught the attention of Major League Soccer scouts and paved the way for his next opportunity.
Path to Soccer
In 2015, Sands joined the New York City FC academy upon the creation of their U-16 Academy team. He remained in the New York City FC academy system for four years, training and competing at one of Major League Soccer's most respected development programs. The academy environment exposed him to high-level coaching, competitive fixtures, and a pathway designed to prepare young players for the professional ranks.
After completing his academy tenure, Sands took his game to the college level, enrolling at Georgetown University to play for the Georgetown Hoyas from 2019 to 2021. During his three seasons with the Hoyas, he made 56 appearances and scored 4 goals. He helped the team win the 2019 NCAA College Cup, college soccer's national championship, and contributed to two Big East Tournament titles.
While still in college, Sands gained additional senior-level experience by playing for Manhattan SC of USL League Two in 2021. He featured in 10 matches and scored 4 goals for Manhattan SC, further sharpening his skills and preparing him for the rigors of full-time professional soccer.
William Sands Career
Early Career (2021)
Sands's transition into the professional ranks began with his stint at Manhattan SC in USL League Two during the 2021 season. The summer league provided a meaningful bridge between college soccer and Major League Soccer, allowing him to test himself against experienced professionals and veteran amateurs while finishing his degree at Georgetown.
His performances at Manhattan SC drew the attention of Major League Soccer clubs, and his standing as a former New York City FC academy product positioned him as a homegrown-eligible prospect. By the end of 2021, Sands had completed his college career and was ready to sign his first professional contract.
Columbus Crew Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On January 21, 2022, Sands was announced as a homegrown player signing by Columbus Crew after a trade with New York City FC for his homegrown rights. The move reunited him with the broader New York City FC development network through the league's homegrown mechanism while launching his professional career with one of Major League Soccer's most decorated organizations.
Sands made his professional debut for Columbus Crew 2, the organization's reserve side competing in MLS NEXT Pro, in a 1–0 win against Philadelphia Union II. He later made his first-team debut in a 2–1 loss to USL Championship side Detroit City FC in the U.S. Open Cup, providing an early taste of the cup competition that complements league play.
Throughout his time in the Columbus organization, Sands continued to develop as a versatile defender and midfielder, training with the first team while gaining regular minutes with Crew 2. His progress in Columbus laid the groundwork for his eventual move up the Eastern Conference.
New England Revolution Era (2024–Present)
On July 31, 2024, the Columbus Crew traded Sands plus $600,000 in General Allocation Money to the New England Revolution in exchange for DeJuan Jones. The trade signaled New England's investment in Sands's upside as a young, homegrown-caliber defender with first-team minutes already on his resume.
Since joining the New England Revolution, Sands has continued to feature as a defender and midfielder wearing jersey number 23. He scored his first career MLS goal on April 21, 2026, in a 2–1 Revolution victory over Atlanta United, marking a major milestone in his top-flight career. His versatility and steady development have made him a useful piece of the Revolution's squad as the club competes in Major League Soccer.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although best described as a soccer player rather than a driver, Sands's on-field profile centers on positional versatility, allowing him to operate as a center back or in midfield. His 6-foot-1 frame gives him an advantage in aerial duels and defensive physicality, while his academy background supports comfort on the ball. Coaches have valued his tactical discipline and willingness to embrace multiple roles across the back line and central midfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Sands's signature moments are his 2019 NCAA College Cup title with Georgetown, his 2022 homegrown signing by Columbus Crew, and his first Major League Soccer goal for New England Revolution against Atlanta United in April 2026. His cross-conference trade in 2024 further underscored the league-wide recognition of his potential.
William Sands Career Wins
Across his soccer journey, Sands has accumulated notable team honors at multiple levels. As a collegian, he won the 2019 NCAA College Cup with Georgetown and added two Big East Tournament titles during his three seasons with the Hoyas.
Major League Soccer Highlights
In Major League Soccer, Sands has been part of the Columbus Crew organization, which has regularly contended for trophies in recent seasons. Following his mid-2024 trade to the New England Revolution, he continues to pursue league and cup success, highlighted by his first MLS goal against Atlanta United in April 2026. Detailed Major League Soccer win totals at the senior level are not fully verified.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Major League Soccer work, Sands contributed to Manhattan SC's USL League Two campaign in 2021, where he appeared in 10 matches and scored 4 goals. He also represented the Columbus Crew 2 reserve side in MLS NEXT Pro competition from 2022 to 2024, gaining valuable minutes in a professional developmental environment.
William Sands Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Soccer runs deep in the Sands family. William Franklin Sands is the twin brother of James Sands, a professional soccer player who has played for New York City FC and the United States men's national soccer team. The brothers have both navigated the New York City FC academy system on their way to Major League Soccer careers, representing one of the league's notable soccer family connections.
Personal Life
Sands also has sisters who pursued soccer at the collegiate level. His sister Kate played soccer at Williams College and Monmouth University and has worked as a soccer coach for the Greenwich Academy women's soccer team. His second sister, Lizzie Sands, played soccer at Bowdoin College. The family's shared commitment to the sport has shaped William's development and continued involvement in the game.
2025 Season Performance
William Sands entered the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign as a member of the New England Revolution following his July 2024 trade from the Columbus Crew. After settling into his new club during the closing months of the 2024 season, he used the early 2025 fixtures to establish himself as a regular contributor in defense and midfield.
Throughout the season, Sands provided depth and flexibility for the Revolution, splitting time between center back and central midfield roles. His first Major League Soccer goal arrived in April 2026, signaling an offensive contribution to complement his defensive responsibilities. His continued development has been a focus for the New England coaching staff.
Looking ahead, Sands remains under contract with the New England Revolution and is expected to play a role in the club's pursuit of a playoff position. His trajectory as a homegrown-caliber defender with expanding attacking output positions him as a long-term piece of the Revolution's plans in Major League Soccer.