BIRMINGHAM, AL (April 12, 2019) – Birmingham Legion FC have added Columbus Crew SC forward JJ Williams on a game-by-game loan. Williams will be available for Saturday’s game in St. Louis and for future matches to be determined on a game by game basis.

“We are excited to have JJ Williams available for Saturday’s match” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “This is an opportunity for us to get an MLS player from Alabama into our team for this match and potentially more games throughout the rest of the season.”

Williams, 21, was selected by Crew SC in the First Round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft on January 11, 2019. Before joining the Black & Gold, Williams played three seasons (2016-2018) at the University of Kentucky, making 57 appearances (30 starts), scoring 24 goals and providing 15 assists. He was a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, a First-Team All-American, and the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2018.

Williams grew up in Montgomery, AL, spent his club career playing in Birmingham for Vestavia FC and was the 2016 Alabama High School Player of the Year playing at Alabama Christian Academy. He played in USL League Two for the local Birmingham Hammers, as well as Reading United and the Dayton Dutch Lions.

Williams joins the team this week and will make the trip to Saint Louis this weekend to face Saint Louis FC on April 13.

Transaction: On April 12, 2019, forward JJ Williams joined Legion FC on an open-ended, game-by-game loan from MLS side Columbus Crew SC, pending league and federation approval.

Player Profile:

Name: JJ Williams

Position: Forward

Number: 11

Height: 6’ 4”

Weight: 200 lbs.

Birthdate: January 4, 1998 (age: 21)

Hometown: Montgomery, AL

Citizenship: United States

Previous Club: Columbus Crew SC (MLS)

Instagram: @JJ23Williams

Twitter: @JJ23Williams

About Birmingham Legion FC

As an expansion member of the USL Championship, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. The club plays home matches at a newly renovated BBVA Compass Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, beginning in March. For ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.