When he was 10 years old, Augustine Williams decided that he wanted to be a professional soccer player.

It’s common for kids that age to dream about going pro at one point or another. And for most kids, it remains that for the rest of their lives.

Eight years later, Williams has officially turned that dream into a reality.

The former Nomads Soccer Club (San Diego, Calif.) forward and Development Academy standout from the 2015-16 season signed a deal with Portland Timbers 2 last week, and will use the rest of the USL season to impress his new team.

“It’s a great feeling,” Williams told TopDrawerSoccer. “Everything is different right now, but I’m adjusting to the training, the professionalism. I really like the environment, and it’s a great place to be for a soccer player.”

MLS-run USL teams reaching outside its own academy to sign 19 year olds remain relatively uncommon in North America. Signing youngsters from its own academy is a trend that is starting to gain momentum among a handful of MLS franchises, although college soccer remains a primary option as well.

Williams’ circuitous path to a pro career is fitting for a player that has always looked for the right environment to improve on the field. Born in Sierra Leone, Williams moved to California when he was nine years old. A year later, he started taking soccer more seriously, starting to light up the club circuit in Northern California.

Prior to joining Nomads, he played a few seasons for Juventus, including scoring eight goals for the U18s in the 2014-15 Academy season. A friend recommended that he try out for Nomads ahead of last season – a decision that would eventually open up the door to Portland.

“He’s hungry to get into the box, and he wants to score goals…he’s an out-and-out forward, there’s no pretense in him being anything else,” Nomads U18 head coach Derek Armstrong said. “He’s got a forward’s attitude, which is nice.”

The lone season at Nomads was one to remember. Even though he looks and plays like a classic target forward, Williams is extremely comfortable on the ball, active inside and outside the box, not to mention being a clinical finisher. Along with his country of origin, his playing style is reminiscent of New England Revolution forward Kei Kamara.

Williams scored 20 goals this past season for Nomads U18s, and his goal in the Development Academy semifinals against FC Dallas showcased what he does best. Collecting the ball in midfield from a long outlet pass from the back, Williams calmly held the ball up, and moved forward on the dribble. After passing the ball off, to a teammate on the right flank, Williams continued his run and was on hand to pounce on a rebound in the six-yard box.

“We had a great season with Nomads, were able to make it in the top four, [we] had never been there before which was a great feeling for the club and for the players,” Williams said. “We were unlucky to get eliminated in the semis, but overall we had a great season.”

Williams had impressed Timbers scouts during the DA playoffs and semifinals in June and July, earning a trial with the USL club that was spun into a contract offer. The pace and physicality of the training sessions took at day or two to get used to, though the lanky striker adjusted quickly to the demands of a higher level.

Playing at Tyler Junior College was Williams’ other option, although he said he is planning on still pursuing his college degree in the not too distant future.

For the time being, the focus is on Timbers 2, and starting a pro career. He’s expected to be in the 18 on August 3 as Portland faces the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Williams said that he hopes to get stronger in order to handle the physical demands of the USL. Standing at 6-foot-3, he has good size, though he indicated feeling more comfortable playing to feet than in the air.

The rest of his goals for the remainder of the season are simple.

“I’m hoping to get a chance to play and prove myself,” Williams said. “My job is to score, so throughout these 11 games I’d like to make a difference on the team… I want to improve every day.”