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New York City FC’s inaugural MLS squad: Where are they now?

By Matt Coles

New York City FC player starting line up Josh Saunders (12), Shay Facey (24), Andoni Iraola (51), Angelino (69), Chris Wingert (17), Mehdi Ballouchy, (20), Javier Calle (30), Andrew Jacobson (4), Thomas McNamara (15), Kwadwo Poku (88), and Captain David Villa during the 2015 MLS Match between New York City FC vs Orlando SC on July 26, 2015 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, USA . New York City FC won the match with a score of 5 to 3. Photo �� Ira L. Black (Photo by Ira Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
New York City FC player starting line up Josh Saunders (12), Shay Facey (24), Andoni Iraola (51), Angelino (69), Chris Wingert (17), Mehdi Ballouchy, (20), Javier Calle (30), Andrew Jacobson (4), Thomas McNamara (15), Kwadwo Poku (88), and Captain David Villa during the 2015 MLS Match between New York City FC vs Orlando SC on July 26, 2015 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, USA . New York City FC won the match with a score of 5 to 3. Photo �� Ira L. Black (Photo by Ira Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JULY 13: Columbus Crew SC defender Josh Williams (3) and Orlando City forward Santiago Patino (29) go for the ball during the soccer match between Columbus Crew SC and Orlando City SC on July 13, 2019, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JULY 13: Columbus Crew SC defender Josh Williams (3) and Orlando City forward Santiago Patino (29) go for the ball during the soccer match between Columbus Crew SC and Orlando City SC on July 13, 2019, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

RB – Josh Williams – Columbus Crew SC (MLS)

Starting at right-back was Josh Williams, an Ohio-born full-back who only played five times for New York City FC, but he has become a first-choice at other MLS clubs.

Williams started his career with the Cleveland Internationals, playing 38 times for them over three seasons. This came at the same time as his college career, where he spent four years with the Cleveland State Vikings. He made his MLS debut with the Columbus Crew in 2010 and went on to play for the club five seasons, playing 71 times and scoring four times from full-back.

Williams then signed for New York City FC ahead of their first season in the league and he started the first five games of the season but was then traded to Toronto FC for the rest of the campaign.

The defender spent 18 months with the side, winning the Canadian Championship in 2016, before helping TFC to reach the MLS Cup final later that season. Ahead of the 2017 season, Williams rejoined the Crew, and he has become a vital part of their backline over the last two and a half years, playing over 50 times for the side, as well as chipping in with five goals.

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