MLS Orlando City SC

Orlando City SC Signs Defender Thomas Williams as Club's 11th All-Time Homegrown

Published on June 15, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City SC has signed Academy product Thomas Williams to a First Team Homegrown contract guaranteed through 2024 with a Club option in 2025, it was announced today. Williams becomes the 11th Homegrown Player in Club history and the third to be inked to a deal this year. At 16 years, 10 months and zero days, he is now the youngest player ever signed to the First Team, taking the title from Tommy Redding who was the Club's first Homegrown signing in 2014 (17 years, one month, 15 days).

"We are really excited to get Thomas signed with the Club," said EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. "Now our youngest player in Club history, he's trained with the First Team in the last two preseasons starting from when he was just 15. A left-footed defender that has great skill on the ball and untold potential, we believe Thomas will be an important addition to the Club for a long time to come."

A native of Titusville, Fla., Thomas joined the Orlando City Academy in 2015. Featuring for Orlando City B in the 2020 season, the 16-year-old made 10 starts in 13 appearances, totalling 844 minutes. Williams has made five starts and added a goal to his tally in 2021 with the Academy's U-17 side.

With the signing, Williams is now the eighth Homegrown on the Lions' current roster, joining defender Michael Halliday, goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, midfielders Raul Aguilera, Jordan Bender and David Loera, along with forwards Benji Michel and Wilfredo Rivera.

TRANSACTION: Orlando City signs defender Thomas Williams to a Homegrown contract guaranteed through 2024, with a Club option in 2025.

Thomas Williams

Position: Defender

Height: 6-4

Weight: 190

Born: Aug. 15, 2004 in Titusville, Fla.

Hometown: Titusville, Fla.

Citizenship: USA

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