The Soccer Show: Edwards Jr. ready to step up for Revolution
Revolution goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. knows what it’s like to step up when his number is called upon. Edwards Jr. made four starts for New England in 2022, with early-season injuries to Matt Turner and Brad Knighton. The ninth-year MLS veteran will have another chance to step in between the posts for the Revolution this weekend, when New England welcomes Orlando City SC to Gillette Stadium.
Djordje Petrović, New England’s starting goalkeeper, will miss Saturday’s match due to international duty with the Serbia Men’s National Team. Working closely with goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock, Edwards Jr. says he more than ready to help the Revolution add to their current four-match unbeaten run.
“I just have a lot of confidence going into the game,” Edwards Jr. said. “I think we have a great group and on a day-to-day basis Djordje and I find ways to push each other. I think we have an unbelievable working relationship. Obviously, Hitchcock plays a part of that as well. I think we all do a really good job to get each other prepared to play. That’s what we’ve done. I’m ready to play and I’m excited.”
Hitchcock has often been credited with playing major roles in the developments of Turner and Petrović, both who arrived in Foxborough in the early stages of the professional careers. But Edwards Jr., who came to New England with six seasons of MLS experience, credits Hitchcock for helping him progress in his own career.
“[Hitchcock] is the best I ever had,” Edwards Jr. said. “Even coming in as a veteran there were things he saw that I can improve on, things we’ve worked on over the last two-plus years. I’ve seen a change in my game and I’m looking forward to putting it out on the field.”
Despite several injuries across the roster, New England finds itself in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. The Revolution, 8-3-6, stand in fourth place in the East, collecting 30 points through their first 17 games of the season.
New England’s depth has certainly paid dividends through the first half of 2023.
“You have to be able to rely on the depth of your roster,” Edwards Jr. said. “Guys have stepped up. As we get guys healthy, obviously that’s a real bonus and a positive for the group. We have a lot of guys that can step up and fill roles, change the formations, whatever we must do to get results. We’ve been doing that and I’m hoping to keep the ball rolling.”
Off the field, Edwards Jr. plays a major role in the commitment MLS has made to tackle racial injustice. The 31-year-old serves as the President of the league’s Black Players for Change, an organization of over 170 players, coaches, and staff.
“It means the world to me,” Edwards Jr. said. “It’s something I’ve been really committed to from a young age, something I’ve had a lot of interest in. From my time doing book reports on things like this in fifth, sixth grade, studying it at UCLA, African-American history. Being fortunate enough to be elected by my peers to be president of such a profound organization is all stuff that means the world to me. It’s hard work but it’s something I greatly enjoy doing.
“It’s been fulfilling. We have a way to go, but there’s been tremendous progress made. I’ve been enjoying my time in the MLS.”
This weekend, MLS will hold a league-wide celebration of the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the official end of slavery in the United States. To learn more about this weekend’s league-wide initiatives, CLICK HERE.
For the second consecutive year, New England will dedicate this weekend’s match to Juneteenth with various activations and initiatives throughout Gillette Stadium.
“I’m excited for this weekend, Juneteenth, again, to be part of a league that’s so open and willing to address things that they know they need to change,” Edwards Jr. said. “Having recognition for Juneteenth as we’re doing this weekend is monumental in our movement.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Listen live on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
