Momentum pushes Thomas Williams further on Orlando City roster | OneFootball

Orlando City SC continues scouting from within. They just signed homegrown defender Thomas Williams through 2026 with an option for 2027.

They’ve recently signed winger Nicolas Rodriguez from outside the organization that they've gotten to know well through scouting. However, Orlando City SC has strong talent from within. They’re not shy about scouting and signing them. That’s how they just signed homegrown defender Thomas Williams.

He’s found on the roster in Supplemental Slots 25-28.

He originally signed with the first team in 2021. Since then, Williams has appeared with the first team as well as Orlando City B. He amassed 61 appearances, starting in 53. He played 4,500 minutes.

His time on the pitch included the club’s U.S. Open Cup run in 2022 which gained them their first trophy. He also played with the U.S. team at youth levels. This included 14 appearances U-23, U-20, U-19, and U-17 levels.

From his earliest days on the pitch, Williams earned admiration from supporters for his instinct to get to the ball. His presence immediately convinced anyone looking that he had talent and ability as a defender.

Jul 21, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City defender Abdi Salim (28), Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena (16) and Orlando City defender Thomas Williams (68) exit the pitch after the game against Houston Dynamo at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Before reaching the Orlando City system, he aggressively pursued his place in youth clubs. That’s where the scouts first found him. When he signed a homegrown contract with Orlando at age 16 in 2021, he became the youngest player in the club’s history.

Luiz Muzzi, executive vice president of soccer operations and general manager, expects him to continue developing throughout this season. He added that Williams accelerated his development over the past few seasons, as they saw in action with Orlando City B.

He’s developed all the key components, including aggression, of the system that makes Orlando successful. This isn’t the type of aggression that is reckless or causes dangerous conditions for players.

It’s an element of the Orlando City SC system that opens space, uses it, gets to the ball, and scores with it. Thomas Williams is ready to be part of that success.