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MLS Columbus Crew SC

Columbus Crew Signs Defender Will Sands Following Trade with New York City FC

January 21, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew today announced that the Club has signed defender Will Sands through the 2023 season with options for 2024 and 2025. The Crew acquired Sands' MLS Homegrown Priority from New York City FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2022, with potential for additional allocation money should Sands meet certain performance-based incentives.

"Will is a versatile defender and we are excited to have him join the Crew," said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. "We look forward to seeing the progression of his development within a competitive, professional environment."

Sands represented Georgetown University from 2019-2021, making 52 appearances for the Hoyas while tallying four goals and five assists. At Georgetown, the defender helped his team win the 2019 NCAA College Cup title as well as two Big East Conference Tournaments (2019, 2021) and three Big East regular-season championships (2019, 2020, 2021). On an individual level, he was named to the All-Big East First Team (2021) as well as the All-Big East Third Team (2020).

A U.S. Youth international, Sands featured for the U.S. Men's National Team at the Under-19 and U-17 levels.

Crew players are currently in preseason training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida until January 28. With the seasonal bubble currently encompassing the field at Historic Crew Stadium, the Crew will train in-market from February 1-6 at the OhioHealth Performance Center prior to traveling to Charleston, South Carolina, for the second trip of the preseason from February 7-19.

The Black & Gold are set to open the 2022 MLS season by hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Lower.com Field in Opening Match on Saturday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Following the home opener, the Crew hits the road and travels to face the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on March 5 for the first away match of the season. The Crew's full schedule for the 2022 MLS regular season can be found at ColumbusCrew.com.

The 2022 season will be the Black & Gold's 27th in MLS and the first full season at Lower.com Field, located in Astor Park. Fans looking to experience Crew matches have several options to save money, while getting the best seats for marquee matches. Season Ticket Memberships include benefits such as private, member-only events; a 10 percent discount at the Crew Shop; monthly, interest-free payment plans; the ability to purchase discounted parking; pre-sale access to all events at Lower.com Field, Historic Crew Stadium and FirstEnergy Stadium; and a dedicated account manager and service representative.

Fans can also choose between various packages that offer great benefits and ticket discounts, including Nine-Match Ticket Plans, Five-Match Ticket Plans, and Group Ticket Plans which are on sale now. Fans can additionally purchase single-match tickets, which are now available.

Supporters interested in securing their seat for the 2022 season can call 614-447-2739, visit columbuscrew.com/tickets or email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com to get connected with a Ticket Sales Representative.

The Crew's current roster stands at 27 players in advance of the 2022 MLS campaign. Listed alphabetically by position:

Goalkeepers (4): Evan Bush, Eloy Room, Patrick Schulte, Brady Scott

Defenders (6): Jalil Anibaba, Jonathan Mensah, Steven Moreira, Jake Morris, Will Sands, Josh Williams

Midfielders (15): Artur, Sebastian Berhalter, Luis Diaz, Derrick Etienne Jr., Marlon Hairston, Perry Kitchen, Alex Matan, Kevin Molino, Aidan Morris, Darlington Nagbe, Isaiah Parente, Pedro Santos, Yaw Yeboah, Sean Zawadzki, Lucas Zelarayan

Forwards (2): Miguel Berry, Gyasi Zardes

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew signs defender Will Sands as a Homegrown Player through the 2023 season with options in 2024 and 2025, announced on January 21, 2022. The Crew traded $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2022 to New York City FC in exchange for Sands' MLS Homegrown Priority.

Name: Will Sands

Position: Defender

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 150

Born: July 6, 2000, in Rye, New York

Hometown: Rye, New York

Citizenship: United States

Acquired: Signed as a Homegrown Player on January 21, 2022.

Previous Experience: Georgetown University (2019-2021)

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