Ahead of the match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday evening, the Columbus Crew will celebrate the 14-year career of Josh Williams. A two-time MLS Cup Champion with the Crew, the celebration will take place on the Chase Plaza where he will be honored for a pre-match ceremony and sign autographs from 5:30-6:30.

“I’m truly thankful for so many things and more importantly so many people who have been part of my soccer career – from my family and friends going back to when I first started playing youth soccer, to my teammates, coaches and staff members who are now like family, and of course, the fans who have supported me and the team,” Williams said.

“Growing up here, it’s really special to start and end my college and pro careers in Ohio, including more than 12 years with the Crew and winning two MLS Cups for Columbus. While my main focus has always been doing what’s best for the team, the city and supporters, I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with our fans again on Saturday and thank the entire Crew organization and community for everything they’ve done for me and my family over the years to make Columbus my home.”

Williams played 183 regular season matches (155 starts) with Columbus, making him the eighth-most appeared player in Club history, in 12 seasons with the Crew.

During those seasons, Williams helped Columbus win the 2020 and 2023 MLS Cups, along with the 2021 Campeones Cup. During the postseason, Williams featured in 11 matches (10 starts). In 2017, the Copley, Ohio native earned the Kirk Urso Heart Award which is given to the player who best exemplified the qualities in a teammate and became “the heart” in the Crew locker room.

Williams played the entire 90 minutes of the 2020 MLS Cup, claiming a clean sheet in the Crew’s 3-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.

In addition, Williams contributed to 38 shutouts with Columbus, after signing for the Crew on September 15, 2010 as a discovery signing. Williams made his MLS debut coming on as a substitute in the Crew’s match against CF Montreal (formerly Montreal Impact). He then started his first match against the Houston Dynamo on April 21, 2012 before tallying his first goal against the Philadelphia Union on August 30, 2012.

Williams then found himself on the move to New York City FC, where he featured in five regular season matches (all starts). He spent the second half of the 2015 MLS season and 2016 with Trillium Cup rivals Toronto FC, contributing in 27 matches (23 starts) and recording one assist.

Williams served the Columbus community through multiple initiatives including the annual Stuff The Backpack events, helping support United Way of Central Ohio.