S. Williams Chicago Fire FC Midfielder 47 Season Performance Analysis
Sam Williams is starting to make his mark with Chicago Fire FC as a midfielder, wearing number 47. The Chicago Fire snagged his homegrown rights from the New York Red Bulls, adding a player who, after a solid college run at North Carolina, has become one to watch.
At just 19, Williams is already showing real promise on the pro stage. He’s been turning heads with his playmaking in the middle of the field.
He stands 5’8″ and weighs in at 152 pounds. That size gives him the quickness and agility you need in a packed midfield.
Williams signed on with Chicago Fire FC II for a one-year deal in January 2025. He’s out to prove he belongs at the next level.
Fans are buzzing about how Williams will develop and what kind of impact he’ll have for the club this season. You can read more about his transition and future in the club’s announcement.
| Year | Team | Games | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2024 | North Carolina Tar Heels | 56 | 6 |
Contents
Profile of S. Williams: Midfielder for Chicago Fire FC
Sam Williams, always steady in midfield, has quickly built a reputation for himself on the pitch. His journey from New Jersey to Chicago Fire FC stands out, thanks to his disciplined background and those technical skills.
Personal Background
Samuel Williams was born on March 18, 2005, in Tenafly, New Jersey. He grew up in Tenafly and found his footing in soccer early, which helped him shine with the New York Red Bulls academy.
He moved on to college soccer with the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2022 to 2024. Williams played in 56 matches and scored 6 goals for UNC.
His college performances caught the attention of Major League Soccer scouts. In early 2025, he joined Chicago Fire FC after they acquired his Homegrown Player Rights.
Williams now wears number 47 for the Fire and still represents the United States at youth levels. If you want more details on his path to Chicago, check out his Transfermarkt player profile.
Player Attributes
Williams plays as a central midfielder, and he’s known for his ball control and vision. At 5’10”, he uses his frame to shield the ball and can cover ground fast on the break.
His passing accuracy and quick decisions help push play forward for the Fire. He stays calm under pressure and breaks up plays with well-timed tackles.
Williams’ work rate really stands out. He covers a lot of ground every match.
He brings a mix of athleticism and tactical sense, making him a reliable presence in the heart of midfield.
Chicago Fire FC Statistics (2025 Season)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Next Pro | 14 | 2 | 3 |
| US Open Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Williams keeps working on his game and wants to make a lasting impact at Chicago Fire FC. For the latest on his stats, check out his MLS Next Pro profile.
Chicago Fire FC and S. Williams’ Role
S. Williams is already making a name for himself in Major League Soccer as a midfielder for Chicago Fire FC. After signing as a homegrown player, he’s shown his abilities and contributed in some big moments.
Position and Responsibilities
Williams lines up as a central midfielder, wearing No. 47 for the Fire. He operates mostly in the middle, linking defense and attack.
The team counts on him to break up plays, distribute the ball, and help keep possession. His vision and defensive awareness are key.
As a homegrown player, Williams brings energy and a real understanding of how Chicago wants to play at Soldier Field. The club values his work rate and how quickly he adapts to different situations.
His passing, movement off the ball, and discipline make him important in both transitions and set pieces.
Here’s a quick look at his recent stats for Chicago Fire FC:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Notable Matches and Performances
Williams made his first MLS appearances for Chicago Fire FC against D.C. United and FC Dallas. In both matches, he gave the midfield a boost, helping his team keep possession under pressure and move up the field.
Coaches have pointed out his poise for such a young player and his calm decision-making during tense moments. The Fire signed him after picking up his homegrown rights from New York Red Bulls.
Williams has trained with the Fire first team since joining, and his quick involvement in league games shows the club trusts him. He hasn’t scored or assisted yet, but he’s already earning the staff’s confidence for future matches.
You can find more about his signing and debut on the Chicago Fire FC official site and MLS Next Pro.
Professional Career Path
Sam Williams started his pro journey by moving from New York Red Bulls to Chicago Fire FC as a midfielder. His climb through key leagues like MLS Next Pro and Chicago Fire FC II shows how he’s steadily adjusted to tougher competition.
Transition to MLS
Williams, born March 18, 2005, developed through the New York Red Bulls academy, building a reputation for disciplined midfield play. Chicago Fire FC picked up his rights in early 2025 for $100,000 in General Allocation Money.
If he hits certain benchmarks, the Red Bulls will get up to $75,000 more. The Fire made the move after a string of midfield injuries.
His first preseason camp with Chicago Fire got plenty of attention from the staff. They wanted to see if his game would translate to MLS speed and physicality.
Williams signed a homegrown contract through 2025, with club options for more years. He trained hard with the first team, tracking his progress as he prepared for a potential MLS debut.
Williams’s Market Value and Contract:
| Year | Market Value | Contract Ends | Club Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,000+ | End of 2025 | 2 years |
MLS Next Pro and Chicago Fire FC II
Before locking down a spot in MLS, Williams played for Chicago Fire FC II in MLS Next Pro. This step helped him get used to the physical and tactical demands of pro soccer in the U.S.
Williams logged valuable minutes in midfield, facing all kinds of playing styles and up-and-coming talent from around the league.
Fire FC II used him in several roles—defensive midfielder, deep-lying playmaker, and box-to-box engine. Coaches paid close attention to his passing, field vision, and stamina.
His numbers showed steady growth, especially in passing completion and tackles per match.
Chicago Fire FC II 2025 Regular Season Stats (MLS Next Pro):
| Matches Played | Minutes | Pass Completion % | Tackles | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 1,300 | 87% | 27 | 2 |
Williams’s consistent performances with Chicago Fire II made him a reliable option for the first team when injuries or international call-ups hit.
Youth and Collegiate Development
S. Williams’ early career took him through respected youth academies and a standout collegiate run with the University of North Carolina. His progress came from overcoming tough challenges and picking up some impressive achievements along the way.
New York Red Bulls Academy
Williams started out at the New York Red Bulls Academy. The Red Bulls have a reputation for producing disciplined, skilled midfielders, and Williams fit right in.
His first stint at the academy wasn’t all smooth sailing—he actually got cut from the squad at one point. After leaving, he joined FC Motown and kept working on his game, showing real resilience.
A few years later, he made his way back to the Red Bulls Academy. That return mattered, as he racked up over 2,000 minutes with the organization and showed what he could do.
The experience helped him build both his technical skills and his mental toughness.
Here’s a look at some highlights from his youth career:
| Club | Years | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| NY Red Bulls Academy | –2020 | First tenure, development |
| FC Motown | 2020–2021 | Resilience, skill growth |
| NY Red Bulls Academy | 2021–2022 | 2,000+ minutes |
University Soccer Achievements
At the University of North Carolina, Williams played for the Tar Heels from 2022 to 2024. He appeared in 56 matches and scored 6 goals, working as a central midfielder.
Williams became a regular starter and earned All-ACC Freshman honors his first season. He also made the All-ACC Academic teams for his work off the field.
During his UNC days, Williams helped lead the Tar Heels to several NCAA Tournament runs, including a trip to the quarterfinals. His leadership and consistency stood out.
He even got a call-up to the U.S. U-19 Youth National Team in early 2023. His college career made him a sought-after player and set up his move to the pros with Chicago Fire FC II.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2024 | 56 | 6 | All-ACC Freshman, Academic |
Notable Team and League Connections
S. Williams has made his mark in American soccer by moving through several top youth and pro setups. His connections with different clubs and high-profile tournaments show both Chicago Fire FC’s investment in young talent and Williams’s experience in strong developmental environments.
Club Affiliations and Partnerships
Williams kicked off his career in the New York Red Bulls academy, where he played over 2,000 minutes with Red Bulls II in the USL Championship. That was a milestone for academy players and highlighted his consistency.
The Red Bulls academy has a reputation for strong youth development, and Williams’s time there built a solid foundation.
In early 2025, Chicago Fire FC acquired the homegrown rights for Williams, linking two big MLS franchises. The move involved general allocation money, showing how much Chicago valued his potential.
The deal even includes extra compensation if Williams hits certain performance marks, tying his progress to both organizations.
Williams’s USL Championship Record with Red Bulls II
| Season | Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 30 | 2,050 | 2 | 4 |
Chicago Fire FC, through its MLS NEXT Pro team, Chicago Fire II, gives Williams more exposure to the pro game, facing clubs like FC Dallas and D.C. United’s reserve squads.
Preseason and Invitational Tournaments
Williams has made preseason and invitational tournaments a regular part of his journey. You can’t talk about these events without mentioning the Coachella Valley Invitational—that’s where Williams hit the pitch with both battle-tested veterans and hungry prospects.
This tournament gives MLS clubs like Chicago Fire FC, FC Dallas, and D.C. United a real shot to see what their young guns can do before the season kicks off. It’s not just about the games; it’s a proving ground.
Williams uses these tournaments to show off his skills and pick up new tricks. Facing all kinds of clubs, each with their own tactical flavor, really sharpens his decision-making when it counts.
When he lines up against teams like FC Dallas and D.C. United—yeah, those clubs with deep academies and stacked senior squads—he gets a clear look at where he stands. These preseason battles let Williams and Chicago Fire FC figure out what needs work and who’s ready to step up before the real action starts.
Key Teammates and Influential Figures
S. Williams runs the midfield for Chicago Fire FC. His spot on the roster puts him right next to veterans and rising stars who shape how this club plays every single match.
On-Field Collaborations
Williams has really clicked with midfielders like Harold Osorio and Sergio Oregel. Osorio’s quick passing and sharp vision open up attacking chances, so he just fits right in next to Williams.
Oregel brings a ton of energy and always seems to know where to be. He’s right there with Williams, helping out on defense and during the build-up.
Their chemistry shows up in the numbers:
| Player | Passing Accuracy | Key Passes/90 | Tackles/90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S. Williams | 85% | 1.2 | 2.3 |
| Harold Osorio | 88% | 1.5 | 1.8 |
| Sergio Oregel | 83% | 0.9 | 2.6 |
For the Fire, these partnerships really give the midfield some balance. You get that burst of youthful energy paired with confident ball control.
Williams keeps adjusting his style to match what his teammates do best. That’s a big reason he’s become so valuable for the squad.
Want to dive deeper? Check out player profiles, like the latest on Samuel Williams at Chicago Fire FC, for more stats and insights.
