SECAUCUS, N.J. - MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas and Head Coach Mo Johnston announced today that New Jersey native and former MetroStars player Richie Williams has been named the team's assistant coach.
"Richie Williams understands what it takes to be successful in MLS," said MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "He has MLS, international, USL First Division and college experience and we feel that he will be an excellent complement to head coach Mo Johnston."
Williams, a 35-year old Middleton, NJ native, played eight years in Major League Soccer spending six (1996-2000, 2002) of those seasons in the nation's capital playing for D.C. United and two (2001, 2003) with the MetroStars. He was a member of United's MLS Cup championship teams in 1996, 1997 and 1999.
"Throughout his career he has won championships - both in school and professionally," said MetroStars Head Coach Mo Johnston. "Playing against him I know that he is a competitor, and I have always liked him. I think this is a great addition for the organization going forward. I interviewed a lot of qualified candidates, and it was a tough decision, but the organization feels that Richie brings a lot to the table having experience internationally and domestically in MLS, NCAA and the USL First Division. I am confident that he is going to go on from here to be a successful head coach."
"I am very excited to be a part of a great organization like the MetroStars," said Williams. "I am looking forward to working with two very talented people in Mo and Alexi, to produce a competitive and entertaining team for MetroStars fans to enjoy."
Over the course of his MLS career, the central midfielder saw action in 216 regular season games, starting 211 of them. He tallied eight goals and 33 assists during that time. He also saw action in 26 MLS postseason games (starting all 26), scoring two goals and registering four assists.
In addition to his club play, Williams earned 17 caps with the U.S. National Team, and had stints with the Under-23 and Under-20 National Teams. He attended the University of Virginia where he was a part of two NCAA National Championship teams in 1989 and 1991 while playing for current U.S. National Team coach Bruce Arena.
Williams left MLS after the 2003 season and returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach with the men's soccer team. He has served in that capacity for the past two collegiate seasons, with his primary responsibilities including on-field coaching and recruiting.
While coaching at UVA, Williams also played the two past seasons with the Richmond Kickers of the USL First Division, where he served as the club's captain. In 2004 he appeared in 30 matches, scoring two goals and tallying three assists. Last season, he appeared in 23 games notching one assist, before retiring at the conclusion of the USL season.
Des McAleenan- who has been a member of the MetroStars coaching staff for the past five seasons- remains with the club serving as the team's Goalkeeping Coach/Second Assistant.
