DETROIT – Detroit City FC announced on Thursday the club had signed defender Rhys Williams to a new two-year contract which will see him in the Rouge and Gold through the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Williams will enter his third season with Detroit this season having joined the club prior to its first campaign in the USL Championship. Prior to playing for Le Rouge, Williams had stints at Stumptown AC, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Lansing Ignite FC, and various other clubs.

This past campaign saw Williams put together a second consecutive strong season for the club. He led the side with 35 appearances and logged 2,557 minutes while notching two assists last season and was a key part of the squad that made its way to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time in club history.

Williams is also a coach in Detroit City FC’s Youth System, coaching in the club’s Detroit City FC City setup.

Analysis

Ensuring Rhys Williams remains in the club’s colors for at least two more years makes sense for both Detroit City FC and the player himself, with the 28-year-old having been a foundational piece of the side’s lineup in his 69 appearances in the USL Championship over the past two seasons. Williams was stellar defensively last season, posting a 66.2 percent success rate in winning 43 tackles while also sitting above 50 percent in duel success rate and making 25 interceptions.

The White Plains, N.Y. native has also shown his solid attacking instincts, recording 30 shots last season while completing 42 dribbles and 22 crosses alongside his 22 chances created. With better fortune, the new campaign might see him record his first goal in Le Rouge’s colors moving into the attacking third off the left flank.