Ryan Edwards (American soccer)

Ryan Edwards
Personal information
Date of birthJanuary 28, 1976
Place of birthFremont, California, United States
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Playing positionDefender
Youth career
1994-1997Washington Huskies
1996-1997Spokane Shadow
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1998Seattle Sounders3(0)
1999-2000San Francisco Bay Seals40(5)
2000San Jose Earthquakes (loan)1(0)
2001-2005Seattle Sounders124(10)
Total168(15)
Teams managed
Bellevue Community College (assistant)
2006-2008St. Mary’s College (assistant)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Ryan Edwards is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the USL First Division and Major League Soccer.

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.

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 San Francisco, California, with his wife, Carly.

External links

References