NPSL ALUM RHYS WILLIAMS INKS DEAL WITH REAL MONARCHS OF USL

New York Cosmos B alum Rhys Williams has signed a contract with the Real Monarchs, the USL-affiliate of MLS side Real Salt Lake.  Williams is excited for the new opportunity to play at a high level.

“It’s been really good so far,” Williams said. “It’s the next step up for my career.  The facilities are amazing.  The team has treated me like family since I got here.  The players around me are on a step up and I’ve enjoyed it here.”

Before joining the Real Monarchs, Williams spent the 2017 NPSL season with New York Cosmos B, and also spent time as a reserve with the first team. The right back’s time in the NPSL helped keep him ready play at a high level, and Williams believes more players in the NPSL can make the professional jump.

“There’s a lot of quality in the NPSL and I think there are a number of guys who can make the jump as well,” Williams added. “It was definitely a good transition between the college and pro levels.”

Williams had great success in college as well for Columbia University. Over his career, Williams made 49 appearances and 35 starts, along with seven goals and five assists, including helping in his senior season in 2016, helping lead the Lions to an Ivy League championship.

That attacking style is what Williams tries to bring to every team.

“I try to press a lot, get up the field and whip in some crosses,” Williams continued. “This team has a lot of quality, is very technical, and I just want to keep possession so we can get to the attack and help the team.”

The Monarchs are excited to have Williams’ helping the squad as well.

“(Williams) came in at the beginning of preseason and showed well and got better every day,” Monarchs Assistant General Manager Dan Enger commented. “We think he will come in and contribute to the group immediately.”

Playing for a squad under an MLS team’s umbrella has been great for Williams so far.

“It’s awesome,” Williams said. “It has the foundation of the MLS team and the USL team integrates into that, so in terms of development and the player lifestyle it’s awesome.  Everyone has a professional mentality and it’s great.”

Now that he’s with the Monarchs, Williams wants to help the team build off the Monarchs’ successful 2017 campaign where they claimed the USL regular season crown, as well as impacting the team himself right from the start.

“We want to win the conference and win USL Cup,” Williams concluded. “That’s the main goal as a team.  And for me, I just want to develop every day and make an impact right away with this team.”

With Williams’ professional mindset and skills, he’s sure to make an immediate impact on the USL and the Real Monarchs.