VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has acquired right back Sheanon Williams from Houston Dynamo in exchange for general allocation money - pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and Canadian work permit.
Sheanon Williams - Whitecaps FC right back
• Started 184 of his 192 appearances across all official competitions during his seven years in MLS
• Recorded 22 assists since joining the league in 2010, fourth most by a defender during that period
• Played in two youth FIFA World Cups for the United States: U-17 World Cup in Korea (2007) and U-20 World Cup in Egypt (2009).
"Sheanon is an athletic, solid defender with an attacking mind," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "Since joining the league back in 2010, Sheanon has been a regular starter and has a great reputation throughout the league as someone with outstanding character. We are excited to welcome him to our locker room."
Williams, 26, joins Whitecaps FC having spent the last year and a half with Western Conference side Houston Dynamo. This past season, the right back started 20 of his 22 regular season appearances, as well as both US Open Cup appearances. Williams was acquired by the Dynamo in July 2015 from Philadelphia Union and started 12 of his 14 appearances.
As a member of the Union from 2010 to 2015, Williams ranks third all-time for Philadelphia in MLS games played (143), games started (140), minutes played (12,441), and assists (19).
During his seven years in Major League Soccer, Williams has started 172 of 179 appearances including playoffs, scored seven goals and added 22 assists. Williams has also started 15 of 16 US Open Cup appearances, including three starts as a member of USL Second Division side Harrisburg City Islanders in 2010.
"I'm excited for the new opportunity," added Williams. "I can't wait to join up with the club and get things moving. We have a couple of months, and I'll be ready to get a good start to my time in Vancouver in the new year."
Williams is reunited with three former teammates in Vancouver; played with forward Giles Barnes during the 2015 and 2016 seasons in Houston, as well as left back Jordan Harvey in 2010 and 2011 and midfielder Andrew Jacobson in 2010 in Philadelphia.
A Boston, Massachusetts native, Williams joined the U.S. U-17 national team residency program in Bradenton, Florida and played at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea. Two years later, Williams played at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
Sheanon Williams
Pronunciation: Shane-en
Position: Right Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170 pounds
Born: March 17, 1990 in Boston, Massachusetts
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Citizenship: USA
Previous Club: Houston Dynamo (MLS: 2015-2016)
Acquired: Acquired from Houston Dynamo in exchange for general allocation money on December 13, 2016
