SANFORD, Fla — Orlando City goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. didn’t know he was going to get his first MLS start this season until just before the club went out for warmups ahead of its match against Toronto FC.
Saturday’s match was a chance for Edwards – a backup goalkeeper since he was selected 43rd overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft – to shine. New coach James O’Connor elected to bench goalkeeper Joe Bendik and Edwards was given a shot.
“For me, I feel like it’s been a long time coming,” he said.
Orlando City’s 2017 season finale was Edwards’ first MLS start, but he only got the opportunity because Bendik had a concussion.