MLS Chicago Fire FC

Midfielder Andy Williams Rejoins Chicago Fire

Published on January 27, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (Tuesday, January 27, 2004) - The Chicago Fire announced today that veteran midfielder Andy Williams has signed a deal with Major League Soccer to remain a member of the Chicago Fire. Per MLS policy, details of the contract were not disclosed. After being acquired by the Fire last March via a trade with the MetroStars, Williams finished fourth on the squad in scoring last year with 11 points on a pair of goals and team-high seven assists in 20 matches, including 14 appearances in the starting line-up. Williams, a native of Jamaica, is one of three Senior Internationals on the Fire's 18-man senior roster.

"I am very happy. My family and I have settled here, so I'm just happy to be here again this season," said Williams. "Hopefully we can improve upon what we did last year."

The 26-year-old midfielder from Kingston, Jamaica has established himself as one of the premier playmakers in the eight-year history of Major League Soccer since entering the League in 1998. Williams has scored 72 points (12g, 48a) in his six-year career, spanning 118 regular season matches, and ranks in the League's career top ten in a pair of assist-related categories -- assists per 90 minutes (fourth all time at 0.53) and assists per game (ninth with 0.41). Williams began his career in America's top-flight division with the Columbus Crew in 1998 and gained attention immediately by setting the record for most consecutive games with an assist by tallying a helper in his first seven contests and finishing his rookie season with 12 assists in only 13 games.

"We're pleased to have everything resolved and that Andy will be back with us this year," said Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "He's coming off arguably his most solid performance since entering the League and he really helped us as we made our way through a history-making season last year. We look forward to having Andy back with us again and seeing him continue where he left off."

Williams played for four MLS squads -- Columbus (1998-99), Miami Fusion F.C. (2000), New England Revolution (2001-02) and MetroStars (2002) - before joining the Fire just prior to its 2003 campaign. Williams was named the Revolution's MVP for the 2001 season and registered a career-best 19 points on two goals and 15 assists in 2002, when he split time between the Revolution and MetroStars.

"Andy made great contributions to the Fire's success last year and we are thrilled that he is being rewarded with a well-earned new contract," said Fire General Manager Peter Wilt. "He has fit in well with the Fire by working hard, being a great teammate and using his skills to make the team better. Andy showed his potential and versatility last season and will be valuable to the Fire in 2004."

Williams has been a mainstay in the Jamaican National Team's line-up since making his first career international appearance in 1997. The midfielder has scored 11 goals in 75 career appearances over his seven-year international career and has earned the right to represent Jamaica in numerous regional and global competitions, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Williams will suit up again for Jamaica when he joins the Reggae Boyz for an international friendly versus Uruguay on Feb. 18 in Jamaica.

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