Ryan Edwards (American soccer)

Ryan Edwards
Personal information
Date of birth	January 28, 1976
Place of birth	Fremont, California, United States
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
1994–1997	Washington Huskies
1996–1997	Spokane Shadow
Senior career*
Teams managed
	Bellevue Community College (assistant)
2006–2008	St. Mary’s College (assistant)
	* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Ryan Edwards is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the USL First Division and Major League Soccer, now gracing the recreational soccer fields of Northern California as a member of North Tam United.

Player

Youth

Edwards graduated from Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California, where he led the league in scoring and was named most valuable player by the San Jose Mercury News.[1] The Mission High School men's soccer team won the state championship Edwards' junior and senior seasons.[2] Edwards attended the University of Washington, playing on the men’s soccer team from 1994 to 1997. In 1995 and 1997, he also played for the Spokane Shadow during the collegiate off-season.

Professional career

In April 1998, Edwards turned professional with the Seattle Sounders of the USL A-League.[3][4] In February 1999, the Sounders traded Edwards to the Bay Area Seals for Bill May.[5] Edwards spent two seasons with the Seals. In August 2000, the Seals sent him on loan to the San Jose Earthquakes for a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy.[6][7] In November 2000, the Seals withdrew from the league. In 2001, Edwards returned to the Sounders as a free agent.[8] From that point on, he became one of the team's leaders in all-time minutes played and was voted to Team of the Week numerous times.[9] He remained with Seattle until his retirement after the 2005 season. That year, the Sounders won the league title against the Richmond Kickers.

Over 40s career

In 2017 Edwards joined North Tam United in the Marin Over-40s league. Edwards is rapidly building a reputation in the league as a tough-tackling and free-scoring box-to-box midfielder. Great things are expected of Edwards as he matures.

Coaching career

During his years with the Sounders, Edwards served as an assistant coach with Bellevue Community College. In 2006, Edwards became an assistant coach to the Saint Mary's College of California men's soccer team.[10]

Personal life

Edwards resides in Marin County, California, with his wife, Carly.

External links

References

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[1] Seattle Times

[2] Signings

[3] April 15, 1998 Transactions

[4] 1998 Seattle Sounders

[5] Sounders Lean Towards Local Talent

[6] Bay Area Seals Pro Soccer Team Makes Playoffs

[7] Vorbe strike in injury time gives Galaxy 2-1 victory over San Jose

[8] Notebook: Edwards' return to Seattle gives lift to former team

[9] Scout.com

[10] Men's Soccer Adds Ryan Edwards and Kurt Schmid to the Staff