The tradition of using goofy-ass pictures of players continues apace.

Philip Durbin discovered, and minutes later Louisville City confirmed, that John Hackworth is already working hard to bolster Louisville City’s roster for the remainder of the 2018 season. I don’t know how Phil does it. James Sands will join City on loan from New York City FC at least until September 1. The midfielder from Rye, New York was NYCFC’s first ever homegrown player, a thing that only exists in MLS. Sands is already familiar with Hackworth, having played for him on the US U17 team. He hadn’t made any appearances for NYC so far this season, so this should be a good opportunity for him to get quality minutes on a smaller squad, even in an apparently abbreviated window.

Sands is a true defensive midfielder, something that hasn’t really existed on a Louisville City roster since Juan Guzman left us two years ago. Given City’s proclivity for being caught out on counter-attacks of late, this is probably a nice piece to put in front of the defense so the centerbacks have a bit of cover when there are turnovers around the middle of the field.

I don’t have a great grip on how good a player Sands is, but if he’s signed a professional deal at age 17, he’s got to have some pretty good chops. The short loan period is…interesting, but it could likely be extended depending on what NYCFC’s needs are as they approach their own playoff run in MLS.

Things are moving pretty fast now, y’all. I’m looking forward to seeing what Sands can do and how he fits in with the team. Everybody give him a nice welcome.