REAL MONARCHS SLC SIGN MIDFIELDER JOSH HEARD,
DEFENDER RHYS WILLIAMS
Heard Comes to Utah after Two Seasons with Bethlehem Steel FC in USL’s Eastern Conference; Florida Native, Columbia Graduate Williams Comes to Monarchs After One Season Spent with New York Cosmos B
HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, February 16, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC welcome today MF Josh Heard and DF Rhys Williams ahead of the 2018 season, announced Monarchs Assistant General Manager Dan Egner. Heard’s signing is pending the approval of his P-1 visa, while both signings are pending league and federation approval.
“Both players came in on trial at the beginning of preseason and both showed well and got better every day,” Egner said. “We’re excited to bring both of these guys in to strengthen an already impressive group. Both possess qualities that we like and we think both players will come in and contribute to the group immediately.”
Heard, 23, was selected 71st overall by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and subsequently landed with Bethlehem Steel FC of the United Soccer League’s Eastern Conference. Heard spent his first-two professional seasons with Steel FC in 2016 and 2017 where he amassed 1,123 minutes across 38 matches played. Heard made 11 starts for Steel FC, scoring twice and assisting once during his time in Pennsylvania. Prior to his professional career, Heard played college soccer at the University of Washington where he featured in 55 matches, starting 32 while scoring 12 goals and assisting on six occasions.
“I’m really excited to get started and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to play for such a great club,” Heard said. “With being in the USL for two years now and land at a club that has this staff, these facilities and a great group of players is amazing.”
Williams, 22, last featured for the New York Cosmos B in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) where he tallied three goals and registered four assists. Prior to his time with the Cosmos, Williams featured in 49 matches for the Columbia University Lions, making 35 starts. Williams scored seven goals while assisting five times in his college career.
“It feels great to sign with this club,” Williams said. “This is probably the best group of guys I’ve ever played with and everyone from the players to the staff have treated me like family in my short time here.”
Both players will join the Monarchs for preseason in Herriman to prepare for the club’s regular-season title defense during the club’s fourth season.
Name Joshua Heard
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 165 lbs
Born: 11/29/1994 (23 yo)
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Last Club: Bethlehem Steel FC
Pronunciation: HERD
NameRhys Williams
Position: Defender
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 150 lbs
Born: 8/9/1995 (22 yo)
Hometown: Weston, Florida
Last Club: New York Cosmos B
Pronunciation: REES
