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USL Birmingham Legion FC

Forward JJ Williams Rejoins Legion FC on Loan from Major League Soccer

February 27, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham Legion FC announced today the acquisition of forward JJ Williams on loan from Major League Soccer. A Generation adidas signing prior to the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Williams previously competed for Legion FC on loan from Columbus Crew SC during the 2019 season.

Williams was placed on waivers by Crew SC on February 20, 2020 but remains under contract to Major League Soccer through his Generation adidas deal.

"JJ is someone we are very excited to bring back," said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. "He has proven to be a dangerous attacking player and an excellent addition to our locker room. He has strong roots locally and will continue to make an impact in our community."

Williams, 22, made 23 appearances for Legion FC last season while on loan from Columbus. The forward was joint-first in goals scored (seven), third in shots (41), and eighth in chances created (15) in the regular season. Additionally, he scored the winning goal in Legion FC's 3-2 win over North Carolina FC in the play-in round of the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs.

Williams was selected by Crew SC in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and went on to make seven appearances (three starts) for the club last season. Before being drafted, Williams played three seasons (2016-2018) at the University of Kentucky, and made 57 appearances (30 starts), scored 24 goals and provided 15 assists. He was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, a First-Team All-American, and the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2018.

While he grew up in Montgomery, AL, Williams spent his club career playing in Birmingham for Vestavia FC and was the 2016 Alabama High School Player of the Year playing at Alabama Christian Academy. He played in USL League Two for the local Birmingham Hammers, as well as Reading United and the Dayton Dutch Lions.

Player Profile:

Name: JJ Williams

Position: Forward

Number: 23

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Birthdate: January 4, 1998 (age: 22)

Hometown: Montgomery, AL

Citizenship: United States

Previous Club: Columbus Crew SC (MLS)

Instagram: @JJ23Williams

Twitter: @JJ23Williams

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