Eryk Williamson Bio
Eryk Tyrek Williamson (born June 11, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC. A product of the D.C. United Academy and the University of Maryland, he built a reputation as a composed central midfielder before establishing himself as a long-term contributor for the Portland Timbers.
Williamson became a familiar name in MLS circles after playing a key role in the Portland Timbers’ run to the MLS is Back Tournament title in 2020. After several seasons in Portland, he was traded to Charlotte FC in January 2025, opening a new chapter in his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Eryk Tyrek Williamson was born on June 11, 1997, in Alexandria, Virginia, in the United States. Growing up in the greater Washington, D.C. area, he was exposed to high-level soccer at a young age through local youth circuits and competitive travel programs that fed into professional academies in the region.
He joined the D.C. United Academy, Major League Soccer’s longest-running development program, where he progressed through the ranks as a technically skilled midfielder. Because he was part of an MLS academy rather than the college pathway, Williamson was not eligible for the MLS SuperDraft when he eventually turned professional.
Williamson is the cousin of the singer, actress, and producer Queen Latifah, a family connection he has referenced publicly on occasion. His upbringing in a supportive, sports-oriented environment helped him balance early soccer commitments with his academic development.
Path to Professional Soccer
Williamson attended the University of Maryland, where he suited up for the Terrapins across the 2015, 2016, and 2017 seasons. In three college campaigns, he made 58 appearances and scored 14 goals, establishing himself as one of the top young midfielders in the country.
His standout 2017 season brought two major individual honors: the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year award and a place on the All-Big Ten First Team. Those accomplishments, combined with his academy background, made him an attractive prospect for MLS clubs ahead of the 2018 season.
Although he was linked with a move to the German club Schalke in early 2018, the Bundesliga side never formalized an offer, and Williamson remained in Major League Soccer. He was traded to the Portland Timbers in January 2018, setting the stage for his professional career.
Eryk Williamson Career
Early Career (2018)
Williamson made his professional debut on April 4, 2018, appearing for Portland Timbers 2 against Tulsa in the USL. He quickly adapted to the professional game, scoring his first goal on May 12, 2018, against Tacoma and showing the composure that had marked his time at Maryland.
That summer, he earned his first opportunity with the Portland Timbers senior squad, coming on as a substitute on June 2, 2018, against the Los Angeles Galaxy. The appearance marked the beginning of a multi-year association with the Timbers organization.
Portland Timbers Breakthrough (2018–2024)
Williamson’s role with the senior team grew steadily over the next two seasons. He earned his first MLS start on June 26, 2019, against Montreal, and scored his first MLS goal on September 20, 2020, against Seattle, the Timbers’ biggest rival.
The 2020 season proved to be the defining year of his early career. Williamson was a key member of the Portland Timbers squad that won the MLS is Back Tournament, a competition held during the COVID-19 pandemic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. His contributions in central midfield helped Portland navigate the condensed tournament format and lift the trophy.
Over the following seasons, Williamson remained a regular contributor for the Timbers, providing passing range, set-piece quality, and tactical discipline in the middle of the park. He continued to be a consistent presence in MLS matchday squads through 2024.
Charlotte FC Era (2025–Present)
On January 15, 2025, Williamson was traded to Charlotte FC in exchange for $100,000 in General Allocation Money. The move signaled Charlotte’s intent to add experienced MLS midfielders to its roster and gave Williamson a fresh start in the Eastern Conference.
His arrival was viewed as a chance to bring leadership and a winning pedigree to a young Charlotte FC squad. Early indications suggested he would compete for a starting role in central midfield during his first season with the club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although soccer does not use the term “driving style,” Williamson is recognized for his calm distribution, accurate short passing, and ability to link defense with attack from central midfield. His college and academy backgrounds shaped a player comfortable operating in tight spaces, while his time at Portland improved his tactical awareness and work rate. Coaches have valued his willingness to take responsibility in possession and his composure during high-pressure matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most notable milestones in Williamson’s career are his MLS is Back Tournament title with the Portland Timbers in 2020, his first senior MLS start against Montreal in 2019, and his first senior national team appearance on July 11, 2021, in a Gold Cup match against Haiti. Each moment marked a clear step forward in his development as a professional.
Eryk Williamson Career Wins
Eryk Williamson’s verified career honors include the MLS is Back Tournament with the Portland Timbers in 2020, a CONCACAF U-20 Championship with the United States U-20 team in 2017, and a Gold Cup appearance with the senior United States national team in 2021. At the college level, he earned the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year award and All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2017.
Club Highlights
With the Portland Timbers, Williamson’s signature club achievement is the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament title. He also made his professional debut with Portland Timbers 2 in 2018 and developed into a long-term contributor at the MLS level during his time in Oregon.
International Performances
Williamson appeared for the United States U-20 team 20 times in 2017, including five appearances at the U-20 World Cup and six at the U-20 CONCACAF Championship, which the United States won. He also earned a cap with the U-23 team in 2019 before making his senior debut at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Eryk Williamson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Although soccer is not a racing discipline, the term “lineage” fits Williamson’s story in a sporting sense. He comes from a family with deep roots in American entertainment and athletics, including his cousin, the singer, actress, and producer Queen Latifah. That family connection has given Williamson visibility beyond the soccer world.
Personal Life
Williamson was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, and continues to live in the United States. He has kept most details of his personal life private, with limited verified public information about relationships or children.
2025 Season Performance
Williamson entered 2025 with a new opportunity at Charlotte FC, following his January 15 trade from the Portland Timbers. The transition to the Eastern Conference gave him a chance to reset his role within a different locker room and a new tactical setup.
His early months at Charlotte focused on integrating with teammates and learning the club’s system. Coaches were expected to lean on his experience in central midfield, including his set-piece delivery and his comfort in possession, as the team pursued its competitive goals for the season.
Looking ahead, Williamson’s outlook in 2025 depends largely on his ability to secure consistent minutes and translate his Portland form into production for Charlotte. With several years of MLS experience and a major tournament title already on his résumé, he has the tools to become a central figure in the club’s long-term project.