Union's Williams gets new deal

Union defender Sheanon Williams was among the most improved players in Major League Soccer last season. Now the team has made a long-term commitment to Williams, who has made dramatic strides since being signed in August 2010 from the team's USL-2 affiliate in Harrisburg.

While team manager Peter Nowak said MLS prohibits terms of the contract being released, Williams said it was through the 2015 season.

Last season, according to MLS Players Union figures, Williams, who will turn 22 next month, made $42,000.

"It gives me some stability, and the situation I have has been really good for me," Williams said Wednesday during a conference call with reporters.

Williams is an attacking defender with one of the best throw-ins in the league. This past season he had a goal and three assists in 32 regular-season games, all starts. In addition, Williams started both playoff games against Houston, which the Union lost, 3-1, in the aggregate-goal series.

Nowak has talked about moving Williams, a former forward, up to the midfield.

The team, which returned from Florida on Sunday, departs Thursday for the next leg of its training camp, in Costa Rica. It will be there through March 4.

The Union will begin play in their third MLS season with a March 12 opener at Portland.

Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at mnarducci@phillynews.com, 856-779-3225 or @sjnard on Twitter.