Union trade Sheanon Williams to Houston Dynamo
The Union made a surprising trade on Thursday that may be a sign of more moves to come, sending veteran right back Sheanon Williams and an international roster slot to the Houston Dynamo for cash and other future considerations.
Williams was the last player on the team who had been with the organization since its inaugural season, though not from day one. He was signed from the Harrisburg City Islanders on August 31, 2010.
The Inquirer's Marc Narducci spoke with Williams after the deal. You can read that story heree.
For much of the team's history, the Boston native has been its starting right back. Just as importantly (if not more), his long throw-ins have been a valuable weapon in the team's attack.
But in recent times, he found himself bumped out of the starting lineup by Ray Gaddis, who has become a better man-to-man defender. Williams, whose contract expires at the end of the season, thus became one of the only significant trade assets the Union had. He leaves as the Union's all-time leader in games and minutes played.
It's worth noting that Houston Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan has a history of making deals with the Union. Last year, as the Montreal Impact's technical director, he negotiated the trade that sent Jack McInerney out of PPL Park in exchange for Andrew Wenger.
The Dynamo needed to acquire a defender after stalwart Jermaine Taylor injured a quadriceps muscle playing for Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's likely out six to eight weeks. They also needed the international slot to have room for the official arrival of star Mexican striker Erick "Cubo" Torres
Williams' departure frees up around $150,000 in salary cap space, and helps clear the decks for the Union to make another move. That could be for Swiss international winger Tranquillo Barnetta, most recently of German club Schalke 04. The Union's interest in him has been reported by ESPN and Swiss newspaper Blick.
If the Union are able to capture Barnetta, it would be among the biggest signings in team history - perhaps ranking above all except the deal that brought Freddy Adu back to Major League Soccer in 2011.
As for whether the Union will be able to move out-of-favor goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi, that will remain unclear until and unless such a move actually happens.
