José Sand

José Gustavo Sand (born 17 July 1980), nicknamed Pepe, is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a striker. He made two appearances for the Argentina national team.

Club career

Early career

Born in Bella Vista, Corrientes, Sand started his professional career with River Plate in 1998. He then had his first spell with Colón between 1999 and 2000. In 2000, he dropped down a division to play for Independiente Rivadavia of the Argentine 2nd Division. In 2000, he joined Brazilian side Vitória. In 2002 Sand returned to Argentina to play for Defensores de Belgrano. He had a second spell with River Plate between 2004 and 2005. Between 2005 and 2006 he played for Banfield, and then returned to Colón in 2006 before joining Lanús in 2007.

Lanús

Sand started his Lanús career by being sent off on his league debut in a 5–3 defeat to Independiente. He then scored ten goals in his next nine league games. His good scoring record of 15 goals in 15 games in his first tournament with Lanús established himself as a favourite amongst the fans. In 2007, he was part of the squad that won the Apertura 2007 tournament, Lanús' first ever top flight league title. Sand became top scorer in the Primera División Argentina for the first time in the Apertura 2008 championship with 15 goals in 19 games. In Clausura 2009 he became the first player to become top scorer in consecutive tournaments since Diego Maradona in 1980. Overall, he scored 50 goals in 67 league matches and 6 in 12 Copa Libertadores matches.