Moon Township, Pa. – Three weeks ago, Speedy Williams was still trying to land a pro contract following an impressive four-year career with the Robert Morris University men's soccer team.
 
Little did he know that after signing a deal with the New York Red Bulls United Soccer League (USL) squad on July 8 that he would be suiting up against Chelsea, the defending English Premier League champions and one of the top clubs in the world, in International Champions Cup play.


 
"I didn't believe it Tuesday night when they told me. I was in shock," said Williams. "I was thinking about it last night as well – like, I can't believe I might actually be playing in this game."
 
Robert Morris head coach Bill Denniston got the news a few hours before the match via a text message from his former player, and couldn't hide his emotions as he talked about Williams' opportunity to play with the Red Bulls squad.
 
"I was psyched for him. There are a few kids on my team every year that probably can play somewhere at the next level, and obviously Speedy was one of them," said Denniston. "It's a dream come true for him, or at least the start of dream."
 
Tuesday night, the Red Bulls were forced into overtime as they eventually fell in penalty kicks in a U.S. Open Cup match against the Philadelphia Union. The extra time game and short rest forced the Red Bulls organization to call up a slew of players from its USL team. Williams was one of those despite playing in just one USL game.
 
"I wasn't expecting to get in the game, but I was hoping that I would. Since it was a friendly, I was hoping I could get at least a few minutes. I knew we were going to make a lot moves, but in the end I got to play for 20 minutes," said Williams.
 
Williams made his debut Wednesday immediately after New York took a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute, taking a spot in the center midfield, where he spent his days as a Colonial. Showing no sign of nerves, his first touch was a sharp one-time pass back to a defender that relieved the pressure of a Chelsea press. Williams' play looked much the same as it did when he wore the blue and white – a calm, technical flow that had the ball off his foot in one or two touches.
 
"I wasn't nervous at all," said Williams. "The atmosphere wouldn't allow that. The feeling around the team was great, and for me, it was something that I've been dreaming about. I knew I couldn't be nervous at all. It's what I've always wanted to do and I wanted to make the most out of the opportunity."
 
The Kingston, Jamaica, product nearly scored as well, sending a shot off the outside of his foot that was brushed just wide by the fingertips of the Chelsea keeper in stoppage time. The Red Bulls went on to win the game, 4-2.
 
As for the future, that remains to be seen, but Denniston doesn't necessarily think of this as the end of Williams' time at the sport's higher levels.
 
"His performance last night certainly can't hurt. I know they had a lot of USL players up, but the fact that they gave him that opportunity after such a limited time with the second team means that he must have been doing something right," said Denniston. "He's a good player. I've always thought that he is as good technically as anyone I've ever had. He certainly has the ability to go up there and not look foolish because he can play. I always thought that Speedy can hang with those guys for sure."
 
Williams echoed those thoughts. "All the coaches told me I played well after the game, but we haven't really talked about anything in the future. All I can do is keep showing up, working hard and taking the opportunities that I'm given," said Williams.