Williams Taking Nothing for Granted in First Preseason with Union

One of the biggest feel-good stories for the Philadelphia Union last season had to be the emergence of Sheanon Williams.

There were obviously many good tales to tell from the Union’s inaugural season.

But Williams’ story was near the top. And it’s still continuing.

“It feels great to be here with the guys at preseason training,” Williams said after a recent training session at the YSC Sports complex in Wayne, Pa. “Looking back, last year I was trying to make a name for myself. Nothing is guaranteed now and I know that, but I feel like I learned so much and I can use those lessons to help me even more now.”

Williams signed with the Union on August 31, 2010 from the Harrisburg City Islanders, the club's USL Pro affiliate. He played the entire ‘10 season with the City Islanders, scoring three goals in 19 matches and compiling 1,402 total minutes of league action, in addition to U.S. Open Cup matches. Williams was named the "Upper 90" City Islanders Rookie of the Year.
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Next thing Williams knows, he’s calling Union season ticket holders with Sebastien Le Toux and Danny Mwanga following the 2010 Major League Soccer season.
What a thrilling ride.

“It was great, getting in games from basically the beginning,” said Williams, Philadelphia's first choice right back. “I didn’t expect that. I was happy for the opportunity and I wanted to show the technical staff they made a good decision. I feel like that time on the field is going to be so valuable for me as I move forward with my career.”
Williams left the University of North Carolina after the ‘08 season to play professionally in Europe.

It sounded good, but it wasn't so easy.

Williams had at least 10 tryouts, yet no team signed him.

Back to the United States.

“I trained with Real Salt Lake for parts of a couple years in 2009 and 2010, and I felt like I did well,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t say I was frustrated, but I knew I was talented enough to sign with a club. I just had to be patient. I feel fortunate to have landed with the Union, but like I said, I will take nothing for granted. I’m going to work just as hard now as I was doing then."
WATCH: Williams' journey to MLS
The soft-spoken Williams impressed the Union’s technical staff with his speed, maturity and slingshot of a throw-in. It was clear that Williams had progressed tremendously in the two years since UNC.
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“Sheanon is a kid who really took advantage of the opportunity that came in front of him,” said Union coach John Hackworth. “He did a great job with the Islanders, and we tracked his progress. We’ve always liked him. And when we gave him a chance, he maximized that chance. I think it’s a good lesson for young players that if you keep doing the right things and working hard, good things can happen. Sheanon was a very positive influence and had a very positive impact on our club last season.”

Williams sure hopes to be part of the present and the future.

That’s why he stayed in the Philadelphia area for much of the offseason getting ready for the upcoming season.

“I’ve been training really hard and I have so many goals this season,” said Williams, a product of the U.S. Under-17 National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. “I think our club can do so many great things this season. If we stick to our plan, we can certainly make the playoffs. I want to be a part of it.”
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Related:
Williams a Big Part of Union Future
Califf, Le Toux Embracing Offseason Acquisitions