Sheanon Williams

PROFILE
A versatile and athletic right back, Sheanon Williams was acquired via trade from Houston Dynamo on December 13, 2016. He recorded 22 assists from 2010 to 2016, fourth most by a defender during that period. Having started his MLS career in Philadelphia, Williams ranks among the all-time leaders in Union club history in games played, games started, minutes played, and assists. On November 27, 2017, Whitecaps FC announced that the club will not exercise the option on his contract.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2017: Williams started all 15 of his regular season appearances in his first season with Whitecaps FC. He served up three assists from the right back position, all coming in wins. 2016: In his only full season in Houston, Williams started 20 of his 22 MLS regular season appearances, recording an assist versus Colorado Rapids on October 8. 2015: Williams began the season with Philadelphia Union before joining Houston Dynamo via trade on July 23. He totaled 27 starts in 31 appearances, recording four assists. 2014: Williams was one of six players in the Eastern Conference to record four straight seasons with at least 2,000 minutes on the same team. He appeared in 24 games, starting 23 while logging 2,088 minutes, despite starting the year with a right quad injury. He set a career-high with three goals, in addition to his four assists.  In Week 26, Williams contributed to two clean sheets and assisted twice versus Toronto FC to earn a MLS Team of the Week selection. 2013: Williams recorded two goals and a career-high eight assists, starting each of his 32 appearances. His 2,867 minutes played, a personal career-high, was third-most on the team. 2012: Williams started all of his 28 appearances, tallying one goal and two assists. He was ranked 18th on the annual MLS 24 Under 24 list. 2011: Williams started each of his 32 appearances, scoring one goal – opening his MLS account in added time at New England Revolution on July 17 – and tallying two assists. He also started both legs of the Eastern Conference semifinal versus Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup Playoffs. 2010: Williams started all eight of his appearances in his rookie season, making his MLS debut versus Chicago Fire on September 11.

U.S. OPEN CUP
Williams has started 15 of his 16 tournament appearances, representing Harrisburg City Islanders in 2010, Philadelphia Union from 2012 through 2015, and Houston Dynamo in 2016.

USL SECOND DIVISION
Williams started 16 of his 19 appearances for Philadelphia’s USL-2 affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders in 2010, scoring three goals in his first professional season. He was named the Upper 90 City Islanders Rookie of the Year.

USL PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Williams played the 2009 USL PDL season with the Carolina Dynamo, earning All-Eastern Conference honors after scoring six goals in 12 games.

COLLEGE
Williams spent one season with the University of North Carolina, starting each of his 24 appearances in 2008, registering one goal and two assists. He left school to pursue a professional career in Europe, landing tryouts with Vfl Wolfsburg in Germany, and with FC Twente in the Netherlands.

INTERNATIONAL
Williams is a product of the United States U-17 national team Residency program. He played in two youth World Cups for the United States - the U-17 World Cup in Korea in 2007, and the U-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009.

HIGH SCHOOL
Williams was a 2007 Parade High School All-American and earned NSCAA/adidas Youth All-American honors in 2006 and 2007.

INTERESTING FACTS
Williams was born on St. Patrick's Day in Boston, MA. His mother wanted to follow in the tradition of children born on St. Patrick’s Day but didn’t like the name Patrick. Instead, she opted for a variation of Shannon, the name traditionally given to girls born on the feast day.