WASHINGTON – Georgetown University men's soccer defender Will Sands signed a professional contract with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS) as announced by the team on Friday. The Crew acquired Sands' MLS Homegrown Priority from New York City FC in exchange for General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2022, with potential for additional allocation money should Sands meet certain performance-based incentives.

Will Sands
Jr. | D
Rye, N.Y. / Brunswick

• Sands was selected as a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American.
• The defender was a First Team All-BIG EAST selection and a First Team All-East Region honoree from the United Soccer Coaches.
• He was twice named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week (10/25 & 10/11).
• Sands also earned two nods to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week on 10/25 and 12/3.
• He appeared in all 22 games for the Blue & Gray with 21 starts to his credit.
• Sands had three goals and as many assists for nine points on the season.
• The junior has two game winners for the year.
• The government major was also selected United Soccer Coaches First Team Scholar All-American as well as First Team Scholar All-South Region.
• In his career, Sands started 34 of 56 games played and scored four goals with five assists for 13 points including two game winners.
• In his time on the Hilltop, the Hoyas have advanced to three-consecutive NCAA quarterfinals, two College Cups and won the 2019 NCAA Championship. Additionally, the squad won two regular season BIG EAST titles as well as a pair of BIG EAST Championships.

What They're Saying
Georgetown Head Coach Brian Wiese
"While we are sad not to have Will for his senior season at Georgetown, this is a great opportunity for him and he'll be getting his Georgetown degree at the same time. Will's competitive drive and his development as one of the best left backs in the college game will be fun to watch in MLS with the Crew moving forward."
Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko
"Will is a versatile defender and we are excited to have him join the Crew. We look forward to seeing the progression of his development within a competitive, professional environment."

Georgetown in the Professional Ranks

• Wiese has now had 32 players drafted or signed with an MLS or top European club in his tenure on the Hilltop.
• Earlier this week, senior midfielder Sean Zawadzki also signed a contract with the Crew.
• Already this season, Dante Polvara was picked up by Aberdeen F.C. in the Scottish Premiership, Giannis Nikopolidis was drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, Zawadzki signed his contract and Chris Hegardt signed a professional contract with Charlotte FC.