Dorchester, MA native, and Bolts alumnus Sheanon Williams has been named to the US Olympic Soccer Team.

Williams, 22, was a high-scoring forward for the FC Greater Boston Bolts club team and the Rivers School. While playing for the US Under-17 team, which reached the second round of the 2007 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Williams was moved to the back line by current Union assistant John Hackworth.

Williams also played one season for the University of North Carolina, then joined the Union late in the 2010 MLS season.  Williams started 32 games last season, scoring his first MLS goal in a 3-0 win over the Revolution at Gillette Stadium July 17.

According to a team source, Williams has been named to the US Olympic soccer team for the regional qualifying tournament that runs from Thursday through April 2. Williams will replace Josh Gatt, who was recalled by Molde FK, his club in Norway, pending his release from the Union. The US opens play against Cuba, then meets Canada Saturday and El Salvador Monday in Nashville. The semifinals and finals are set for Kansas City. Union midfielders Freddy Adu and Amobi Okugu are also on the US roster.

The top two teams in the CONCACAF region will qualify for the Olympic tournament, scheduled for July 25-Aug. 11 in Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and Newcastle. The US and Canada have advanced to the finals of the women's event.  Williams, who started both Union games this season, is due to join the US for a training session in Nashville Wednesday.  (Boston Globe  March 21, 2012)