James Sands becomes third USMNT player to feature in major European final

The 21-year-old joined a select club that also includes Clint Dempsey and Christian Pulisic

James Sands joined a select group of American players on Wednesday as he entered the field for Rangers against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final.

Sands came into the game in the 101st minute, with the match all square at 1-1 in extra time. The 21-year-old had one long ball that nearly led to a goal for Rangers, but later could only watch as his side fell 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

But Sands still made some history by entering the pitch, becoming just the third American to play in a major European men’s final.

Clint Dempsey became the first when he played in Fulham’s 2010 Europa League final loss to Atlético Madrid, then Christian Pulisic played for Chelsea in last season’s Champions League final win over Manchester City.

Sands fights for minutes with Rangers

Sands joined Rangers in January on a loan through June 2023 with a purchase option.

The versatile defender/midfielder has had to fight for playing time, making 14 appearances in all competitions with seven starts.

Sands is in a battle for a USMNT roster spot at the World Cup and for now looks to be on the outside looking in. He earned all seven of his caps in 2021, but has not featured for the national team since September.

Though Rangers finished as runners-up in the Europa League and the league behind Celtic, they will still have a shot for a trophy this season when they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.

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