USL Rhode Island FC

Rhode Island FC Makes Surprise Announcement of Club's Striker During Kit Reveal Party

Published on December 5, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rhode Island FC News Release


PAWTUCKET, RI - Rhode Island FC made a surprise announcement during its kit reveal party this evening when it introduced Jerome 'JJ' Williams as the club's first striker. Williams has played with a number of MLS and USL Championship clubs, including Atlanta United (MLS), Columbus Crew (MLS), Birmingham Legion (USL-C), and - most recently - Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C). Hundreds of Rhode Island FC fans and supporters turned out for the kit reveal at The Guild Pawtucket and enthusiastically welcomed Williams to the Ocean State.

"JJ has showcased throughout his time in the USL Championship that he is capable of scoring goals in key moments, making him a valuable addition to our growing roster," said Khano Smith, head coach and general manager of Rhode Island FC. "JJ is a goal threat whenever he is on the pitch and will provide a point of reference for our attack."

Williams will join Rhode Island FC on a multi-year deal via transfer for an undisclosed amount from Tampa Bay Rowdies, pending league and federation approval.

Williams has appeared in more than 135 professional matches and scored 39 goals over the course of his career. He scored 12 goals last season with Tampa Bay. During his collegiate career at Kentucky, Williams played in 57 matches and scored 24 goals. He was named Conference USA's Player of the Year and Tournament MVP and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top men's and women's college soccer players, in 2018.

"It is an incredible feeling to join Rhode Island FC on such an exciting day for the club. Meeting Rhode Island FC fans tonight at the kit reveal made me even more excited to start working alongside my Rhode Island FC teammates to make our inaugural season one that all of Rhode Island can be proud of, " said JJ Williams, Rhode Island FC.

Earlier today, Rhode Island FC and Breeze Airways announced a major, multi-year partnership that named Breeze Airways as the club's inaugural front-of-jersey sponsor. This evening, the club unveiled its full home and away kits. Each kit includes nods to Rhode Island's rich history. The away kit, named "The Rhode Kit," includes the names of all 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island to showcase the club's commitment to community. The home kit, named "The Energy Kit," features lightning bolts throughout the design. Centreville Bank is a sleeve sponsor on both jerseys and Rhode Island Energy's logo will appear on the back of both jerseys.

"The Rhode Island FC kits are another example of our commitment to being a club for all Rhode Island. From the Rhode Island businesses on the jerseys to the Rhode Island details on the kits, they were carefully created with Rhode Island in mind. Throughout my professional soccer career, I remember just how important it was to have a kit that makes you feel ready for game day and that fans are excited to wear as they cheer you on, and I think the Rhode Island FC kit will do just that for our players and our fans, " said Brett Luy, President of Rhode Island FC. "I am so glad that JJ could celebrate with us tonight and I am excited to watch him make a positive impact on our Rhode Island FC team."

Fans can purchase jerseys at shop.rhodeislandfc.com

Rhode Island FC will make its USL Championship debut in early March 2024 and will play its home matches during its inaugural season at Beirne Stadium at Bryant University while the state-of-the-art stadium at Tidewater Landing is completed. Like all transactions in the USL Championship, Williams' signing will be finalized pending league and federation approval.

Check out the Rhode Island FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 5, 2023


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