The Columbus Crew has signed defender Josh Williams, a native of Akron and Cleveland State University product, for the remainder of the season. The transaction was approved prior to Wednesday’s roster freeze. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.
The 6-2, 192-pound Williams was invited to play in three of the Crew’s exhibition matches vs. college teams in April. He then returned the Cleveland Internationals of the USL Premier Development League for its 2010 season, where he also spent the previous three campaigns, and logged 630 minutes in seven games, recording one assist.
“We have had Josh on our radar since the beginning of the season and we got a look at him a a few friendlies,” said Crew head coach Robert Warzycha. “He is a physical and versatile player who can play any position on the back line and we look forward to integrating him into the team.”
Williams, 22, was a four-year starter at Cleveland State where he captained the team during his junior and senior years. During his tenure at CSU, he earned many accolades including Horizon League All-Newcomer Team his freshman year, Horizon All-League Tournament Team his Junior year and DI All-Ohio and All-Horizon First Teams his senior year. He capped his career at CSU with a team-leading six goals scored including three game-winners, as a senior year and finished with 12 goals and eight assists overall as a Viking.
Founded by American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members, it won its first MLS Cup Championship in 2008 and has also won the 2002 U.S. Open Cup championship and MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009. It is currently in its 15th season overall and 12th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.
#3 – Josh Williams
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192
Born: April 18, 1988 (Akron, Ohio)
Hometown: Copley, Ohio
Citizenship: United States
College: Cleveland State University
2010 Team: Cleveland Internationals (USL PDL)
How Acquired: Signed on Sept. 15, 2010
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew (MLS) – Signed D Josh Williams
