North Carolina Courage’s Ryan Williams Shines as Attacking Fullback

Ryan Williams is doing something few NWSL fullbacks have ever done – consistently creating scoring opportunities for her team.

Under the guidance of new head coach Mak Lind, Williams has blossomed into a key attacking force for the North Carolina Courage. Her three assists this season tie her atop the fullback assists leaderboard and match her career-best assist total with 16 games remaining.

While the NWSL has seen an increase in attacking fullbacks, such as Lilly Reale, Avery Patterson, and Gisele Thompson, Williams stands out for her exceptional positioning. She consistently puts herself in prime attacking positions, making her a valuable asset to her team.

Williams’ emergence as an attacking fullback is a testament to the evolving nature of the NWSL. Gone are the days of traditional fullbacks like Meghan Klingenberg, who excelled at overlapping runs but were relatively rare.

With Williams leading the charge, the North Carolina Courage looks poised for success in the second half of the season.