Phoenix Rising FC has traded forward Marcus Epps to FC Tulsa in exchange for forward, JJ Williams, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.
“JJ is a player we’ve watched for a long time,” said Rising head coach Rick Schantz. “We feel now is the perfect time to add a player of his quality. JJ is a strong target forward with good feet and an incredible work rate. He is a willing runner and helps the team in all facets of the game. JJ also has the ability to finish chances inside the penalty box. He will help us immediately.”
Williams, 24, is a 6’4” target forward selected by Columbus with the 18th overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. He appeared seven times for the Crew in 2019 before being loaned to his hometown club, Birmingham Legion FC, where he scored eight goals in 23 appearances that same year. Williams was loaned to Atlanta United ahead of the 2020 campaign. He split time between the MLS side and Atlanta United 2 before returning to Birmingham Legion in 2021. He finished that campaign with five goals in 33 appearances. Williams signed with FC Tulsa in January of this year. He has nine goals in 22 matches this season.
Epps joined Phoenix Rising in December 2021. The 26-year-old had two goals in 18 appearances this season.
Transaction: Phoenix Rising FC trades Marcus Epps to FC Tulsa, receives forward JJ Williams
Name: JJ Williams
Position: Forward
DOB: January 4, 1998 (24)
Birthplace: Clovis, New Mexico
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
Twitter: @JJ23Williams
Rising Trades Forward Marcus Epps to FC Tulsa in Exchange for JJ Williams
