Earl Edwards Bio
Earl William Edwards Jr. (born January 24, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. Standing 191 centimeters tall, he is recognized for his shot-stopping reliability and consistent performances across multiple American clubs since turning professional in 2015. Over the course of his career, Edwards has built a reputation as a dependable shot-stopper who progressed from the collegiate ranks to a starting role in Major League Soccer.
A San Diego native and UCLA product, Edwards began his journey through youth international soccer before working his way through the MLS SuperDraft and several developmental stops. His path has included stints with Orlando City, D.C. United, Loudoun United, and the New England Revolution, ultimately reaching San Jose ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign.
Early Life and Background
Earl William Edwards Jr. was born on January 24, 1992, in San Diego, California. Growing up in Southern California, he was exposed to a vibrant soccer culture that helped shape his early development as a goalkeeper. The region’s year-round playing climate and competitive youth circuits gave him consistent opportunities to refine his craft between the posts.
Edwards progressed through the United States youth national team system and earned a place on the United States under-17 squad that competed at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. That tournament experience at a young age offered valuable exposure to high-level international competition and reinforced his commitment to pursuing a professional career in soccer.
Path to Soccer
Following his youth international experience, Edwards enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he spent his entire college career representing the UCLA Bruins. After a red-shirted year in 2010, he went on to make 61 total appearances for the program, finishing with 19 shutouts and an impressive 1.07 goals-against average. His collegiate performances were recognized with first-team All-Pac-12 honors in both 2013 and 2014, establishing him as one of the top goalkeepers in the conference during his final two seasons.
During his college years, Edwards also gained meaningful senior experience in the Premier Development League, playing for the Ventura County Fusion from 2012 to 2014 and spending a season with Seattle Sounders FC U-23 in 2013. These amateur assignments allowed him to sharpen his professional approach while completing his education at UCLA. On January 20, 2015, his development was formally validated when Orlando City selected him in the third round, 43rd overall, of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
Earl Edwards Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Earl William Edwards Jr. signed his first professional contract with Orlando City in February 2015 and made his professional debut on June 17, 2015, in a U.S. Open Cup match against Charleston Battery, helping Orlando advance by way of a penalty shootout. After spending time on loan with Orlando City B beginning in March 2016, he became the first-choice goalkeeper during the 2017 USL season, gaining valuable minutes in a competitive professional environment.
Edwards made his Major League Soccer debut on October 23, 2017, starting away at Philadelphia Union on the final day of the season after regular starter Joe Bendik was ruled out with a concussion. Although Orlando fell 6–1, the appearance marked his first taste of league action and signaled his readiness for top-flight competition.
Orlando City Breakthrough (2018)
Edwards’ Major League Soccer breakthrough came in 2018 under new Orlando City manager James O’Connor. On July 14, 2018, he was given the start over a healthy Bendik amid a nine-game losing streak, and Edwards responded by registering three saves in a 2–1 victory. He retained the starting role for the next five matches, conceding 13 goals during that span before being released at the end of the season when his contract expired.
D.C. United and Loudoun United Era (2018–2020)
On December 19, 2018, D.C. United acquired Edwards in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. He was re-signed on January 8, 2020, ahead of the 2020 season. During his time in the organization, Edwards also featured for D.C. United’s affiliate, Loudoun United FC, making his debut on March 31, 2019, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw. D.C. United released him on November 30, 2020.
New England Revolution Era (2021–2024)
On December 19, 2020, Edwards joined the New England Revolution ahead of their 2021 Major League Soccer campaign, bringing veteran experience to the goalkeeping corps. He spent four seasons with the organization, including appearances for New England Revolution II in MLS NEXT Pro, and remained a trusted option within the club’s goalkeeping unit until the end of the 2024 season.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2024–Present)
On December 30, 2024, the San Jose Earthquakes acquired Earl William Edwards Jr. from New England in exchange for $150,000 in General Allocation Money. The move positioned him as an experienced goalkeeping presence for the club heading into a new competitive cycle in California.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards’ career has featured several memorable milestones, including his professional debut in the 2015 U.S. Open Cup, his first Major League Soccer start in October 2017, and a clean sheet on his Loudoun United debut in March 2019. His selection by Orlando City in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft marked the formal beginning of his professional journey, while his acquisition by San Jose at the close of 2024 represents his most recent chapter at the Major League Soccer level.
Earl Edwards Family
Personal Life
Earl William Edwards Jr. is an American national who was born and raised in San Diego, California. Beyond his public profile as a professional goalkeeper, limited verified details are available regarding his family and personal life.
2025 Season Performance
Earl William Edwards Jr. enters the 2025 Major League Soccer season as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes, having joined the club in late December 2024. The acquisition signaled San Jose’s intent to add a veteran presence to its goalkeeping group and offered Edwards a fresh opportunity to compete for minutes in a new environment.
With the 2025 campaign underway, Edwards is positioned to contribute as part of the Earthquakes’ goalkeeping tandem and provide depth and experience during a competitive Major League Soccer schedule. His familiarity with multiple club systems across Orlando, D.C. United, and New England should support a smooth transition into the Bay Area setup.
Looking ahead, Edwards’ primary objectives for the 2025 season include establishing himself within the San Jose rotation, contributing to the team’s defensive organization, and pursuing another run of consistent performances in Major League Soccer. His track record of professional appearances and shutouts suggests he remains a capable option between the posts.