Devon “Speedy” Williams returns to Louisville for Saturday’s matchup against the Richmond Kickers. Williams recently completed his third stint with the Jamaican national team. After earning his first roster spot for Jamaica in high school, it took seven years to earn another.
While in high school, the Kingston, Jamaica native received his first call to represent his country. Despite not starting the match, Williams earned a cap in Jamaica’s 3-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago back in 2010.
Fast-forward seven years, and Speedy earned his second call up for the international squad. “I think I’m at a stage in my career where I’m ready for a call like this,” said Williams on the time between appearances for Jamaica. “I’m sure they had their reasons why they didn’t call me back before this. I just stayed prepared, because I knew it was going to come one day.”
Speedy got the start in his second call-up for the team, facing teammate Mark-Anthony Kaye in an international friendly against Canada. Despite a loss for the Jamaicans, Williams made a lasting impression on the Jamaican squad.
Just over a month later, Williams got his third call. In another international friendly, Speedy traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia the second weekend in October. “Firstly, it was great to get another call after most recently international friendly against Canada,” said Williams. “I got another opportunity to do so and I took it. We (Louisville City FC) had already secured first place in the east and I was extremely grateful that coach (James O’Connor) gave me the green light to go.”
In his second start with the national team, third overall cap, Williams played a strong 55 minutes for Jamaica. While Jamaica did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Speedy looks to see more time with squad leading up to the 2022 qualifiers.
The Jamaica native, who came to LouCity after winning a USL Championship with the New York Red Bulls II, looks to repeat his success with the boys in purple over the next few weeks.
