Columbus Crew SC announced Thursday the signing of 28-year-old defender Josh Williams.
Williams, a center back who most recently played for Toronto FC, was selected by the Crew last month as the third overall pick in the Major League Soccer Stage Two Re-Entry Draft.
Williams made 76 regular-season appearances, including 68 starts, for Crew SC from 2010-14. He started five matches for New York City FC in 2015 before being traded to Toronto FC.
“We are pleased to welcome Josh back to Columbus Crew SC,” coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. “Josh has a valuable understanding of our system and he brings a veteran experience that will help the club on and off the field.