|
|
Inside the MLS:
Brian Edwards
|
|
Many Toronto FC fans fondly remember former TFC goalkeeper Brian Edwards. Edwards was drafted by the club in 2008 and showed solid form in net but was somewhat mysteriously cut in March 2010 shortly after Preki became head coach. After leaving Toronto FC, Edwards had stints with the Charlotte Eagles and the San Jose Earthquakes before becoming a fan-favourite in Sweden with Degerfors IF of the Swedish Superettan. In this short interview with RedNation Online, Brian chats about his career before and after TFC, Major League Soccer, his future aspirations and his current life in Sweden.
RedNation Online: Brian, to start things off, my first question is about your beginnings. When you decided to become a goalkeeper growing up, did you know how hard it would be? Being the last line of defense, isn’t there a lot of pressure on you?
Brian Edwards: My father played goalkeeper at the college level so he was able to tell me what kind of pressure to expect. I was not a full-time GK till high school and loved playing either right-back or holding midfield before that. I have always said that I believe the strength of US goalkeepers is athleticism. In the United States, we grow up playing a number of sports and pick up certain skills that aid us in goalkeeping. I am very proud to be part of a great influx of US goalkeepers in and around Europe. I like the idea of pressure being on me because no one can hold me to a higher standard than I hold myself. I like the responsibility and can take the criticism that comes along with it in stride.
RNO: As of March 2011, you play for Degerfors IF of the Swedish Superettan (the second tier of Swedish football). How did you get the call to sign for Degerfors?
Brian Edwards: When I left San Jose during pre-season, I was not sure what I wanted to do. Either look for another club in the MLS or try to go abroad. I wanted to look for a team where I could get some more consistent games under my belt. My long-time goalkeeping coach from home happened to know a guy from near here (Degerfors) who told him a funny story about Degerfors IF’s previous number one. He retired to be a contestant on the Swedish Bachelor (his name is Sebastian Karlsson and I am pretty sure he won to be honest) so he reached out and I came over. After a few days I was offered a contract and I signed a two-year deal.
RNO: So you've been in Sweden for a little over a year now and it seems as if you have settled in nicely. Do you see yourself re-signing with Degerfors or with another Swedish club? Also, can Sweden (both by soccer and living standards) compare with Canada and/or the States?
Brian Edwards: When my contract is up, I will be looking to explore my options both here and back home. I certainly aspire to return to the MLS some day but I also know there is interest over here with larger clubs. Allsvenskan (Sweden’s first division) is a well-respected league with the opportunity to play in European competitions like Europa and Champions League. Sweden is a beautiful country and I enjoy the life style and culture. I am accustomed to larger cities like Charlotte and Toronto so it has been an adjustment living in Degerfors. The people are genuine, hard-working and have welcomed me with open arms. I will be forever grateful to them.
RNO: Degerfors used to play in the Allsvenskan for some time. Do you think that you and your team-mates can reach that level again? Last year, you guys finished 5th. How many teams get promoted – is it top 2 or top 3?
Brian Edwards: Degerfors certainly has a rich and lengthy history in Swedish football. When you consider the size of this town, it really speaks to what a great accomplishment even competing for a place in Allsvenskan is for this club. The major hurdle, as it always tends to be, is financially. The club cannot afford high transfer fees so they must develop a large majority of its squad. However, the bigger clubs end up “poaching” players (from Degerfors) and then they must start all over again. I would love to see this club reach that level again and I believe they can. The top two teams move up and the 3rd-place team plays a 2-legged playoff with the 3rd from the bottom of Allsvenskan.
RNO: Have you ever played for the US at the national (youth) level?
Brian Edwards: While in college, I was called into the US U-23s but our event ended up being canceled. I was also called into the Full Team for the Guatemala World Cup qualifier in Colorado after my rookie year with TFC. At this point, I believe I am only eligible for the United States and the National Team remains a dream of mine.
RNO: You were one of the rare Toronto FC players that was open with both fans and media about the turbulent times at the club. How do you look back on your time with Toronto FC?
Brian Edwards: I loved my time at TFC and have a number of great memories. I owe them for the chance to become a professional and remember my draft day like it was yesterday. Playing in front of 20,000 passionate fans every week was a thrill and I will always regret not giving them more in terms of positive results. As everyone knows there was a lack of stability in the club at the time and I played for a number of managers. I enjoyed the English style of Carver and Cummings and learned a lot from them. Unfortunately, I still feel I was never given a chance with Preki and from day one there was an uneasy feel between us that I have never been able to explain. The timing of my departure (as we were leaving for the first game of the year) was a bit of a slap in the face but I hold no grudges. I would never rule out a return one day and still am received well by the fans via Facebook and Twitter. I hate to see the current form of the squad and hope they get things sorted out soon.
RNO: Were you ever given a reason as to why you were waived?
Brian Edwards: I was never given a reason. It was certainly a solo Preki decision. He never gave me any chance to play during preseason and barely even spoke to me the entire time. It was a big shock and the timing could not have been worse. With rosters set, it is almost the ultimate disrespect.
RNO: How closely did you work with Mo Johnston? Also, do you think Toronto FC churns out players too often (in the club’s first three years of existence, there were already about 75 players who wore a TFC jersey)?
Brian Edwards: Mo Johnston was at TFC the entire time I was. He was the one who drafted me so I have a respect for him in that regard. At the time he was the manager but on day one of pre-season he called us in and told us we would be playing for John Carver. I have nothing bad to say about Mo but I know he had a certain reputation among supporters of the club. There was a large amount of turnover while I was there and that was the reason he was referred to as “Trader Jo” by people on the outside. I know it might have been frustrating for fans but I always felt he was doing what he thought was best for the club. Even during the early days there was pressure to win right away and that may have influenced some of his moves and maybe led to him being removed from his post. If you take a step back and look at the whole picture, other clubs went about things differently and maybe learned from Toronto’s mistakes. I believe (and hope) they will get it right in the near future even though things may currently look bleak.
RNO: What are your thoughts on Canada’s quest to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and did you watch the fairly recent Canada vs. USA friendly?
Brian Edwards: I did not get to see the US take on Canada at BMO. From what I heard, I did not miss all that much as far as excitement goes. I think the Canadian team has a good chance at qualifying for the World Cup. I will admit I am not nearly as familiar with all the players in the squad but I do know they have plenty of talent. I know how bad players like DeRo, Jules and Will Johnson want it and I know how badly the country wants it. I know having a few more MLS teams in the country must help getting players experience but also internationally. I would love for both the US and Canada to make it to Brazil and have great success.
|