Williams rejoins Legion FC on loan from Atlanta
Legion FC announced on Thursday the acquisition of forward JJ Williams on loan from Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United FC. His loan will last for the remainder of the season, including playoffs, pending league and federation approval.
Williams played an important role with Legion FC in their inaugural 2019 season, bagging seven goals while on loan from Columbus Crew SC. Additionally, he spent the 2020 preseason in Birmingham, competing with the boys in black before joining Atlanta United on March 5, 2020.
“We are excited to add JJ at this critical time during the season,” Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps said according to a press release. “He brings a winning presence to the locker room, and we look forward to the lift that can bring the team.”
The 22-year-old Williams made 23 total appearances for Legion FC last year. The forward was tied for a lead in goals scored, third in shots (41), and eighth in chances created (15) in the regular season. His time with the squad was highlighted by his winning goal in Legion FC’s 3-2 victory over North Carolina FC in the opening round of the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs.
The Montgomery native spent his youth career in Birmingham, starring for Vestavia FC. He was named the 2016 Alabama High School Player of the Year playing at Alabama Christian Academy as well.
Williams spent time in USL League Two with the Birmingham Hammers, Reading United and the Dayton Dutch Lions.
Williams was a first-round draft pick of Columbus Crew SC in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and went on to make seven appearances for the club last year. Before his professional career began, he played three seasons (2016-2018) at the University of Kentucky, making 57 appearances on 30 starts, scoring 24 goals and providing 15 assists along the way.
His college accolades and achievements consist of a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, a First-Team All-American, and the 2018 Conference USA Player of the Year.
Williams will look to make an immediate impact with the squad and assist in the push for a first ever USL Championship trophy.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier with this move. JJ is one of my favorite players and I couldn’t be more excited to see him back in The Magic City. Hope his return is filled with goals and lots of flexing!
Photo courtesy of AL.com.
