Americans abroad delivered the usual range of performances with some big moments, but not as many fireworks in terms of goals and assists.

There were some solid performances from bubble players fighting for time.

Unfortunately, injuries dominated the headlines.

Sands suffers serious injury

James Sands, 24, was off to a great start at St. Pauli since joining the club last month on loan from New York City FC. The six-months deal included the possibility to extend through the following season if criteria were met (likely if St. Pauli weren’t relegated). 

But all that came to a screeching halt on Saturday when in the final minute against Freiburg, Sands was injured on a free kick into the box. The immediate scenes indicated it was serious as teammates and opponents signaled to the bench for help.

Sands was rushed into surgery for a complicated ankle injury. He is out indefinitely.

It’s an awful blow to a player who excelled with his hometown club and was on the brink of reestablishing himself with the national team via Bundesliga performances.

Elsewhere on injury front

The list of American players’ injuries is long. Ricardo Pepi’s season is over and Malik Tillman is a long way from returning.

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