Edwards earns OCB captain role
Goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. was rewarded for his hard work this season, earning the Orlando City B captain’s armband on Saturday night.
It was the second time the player on loan from MLS club Orlando City was named captain for OCB after receiving the honor in the previous week during a road game against the Rochester Rhinos.
During a 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati Saturday night, Edwards recorded seven saves for Orlando and earned praise from head coach Anthony Pulis.
“If you look at Earl, he’s been with us three years. He hasn’t played an awful lot of games at all. This year is a really important year for him. The MLS side signed Josh Saunders to allow Earl to come here and get games, and I think he’s blossomed,” Pulis said. “I think he’s grown immensely. … He deserved the armband. With Lewis Neal injured, we gave the captain’s armband in Rochester because he deserved it, and tonight I think he performed really well.”
Edwards said he’s grateful to have the opportunity to earn playing time with Orlando City B.
“It’s huge for me,” Edwards said. “My first two years not really having the option to be playing with the B team, having only two goalkeepers last year, and having no B team the year before that. It’s huge for my development, I’m just happy to get minutes and develop and take full advantage of my opportunity.”
A team leadership position isn’t new for Edwards. He captained IMG Academy during his time with the residency program before taking a similar role at UCLA. He said he’s happy to continue being a leader with OCB.
“[It’s] something I’m comfortable with. There’s only so much you can do as a goalie, and I think one of the things you can do to help the team is be a leader and a locker room guy and a guy that people can depend on,” Edwards said. “I like to accept that role when I get the chance and take full advantage of it.”
Entering the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B doubleheader Saturday at Orlando City Stadium, the Lions hadn’t won a game at home since April 4.
The streak continued, with OCB recording a draw against FC Cincinnati, which was coming off a thrilling U.S. Open Cup win over Chicago Wednesday.
Orlando (5-6-5, 20 points) is on a five-game winless run at home.
Jordan Schweitzer scored the opening goal for OCB in the second minute after finishing a cross from midfielder Austin Martz, but Djiby Fall tied the game for the visitors in the 16th minute. After a giveaway from OCB defender Paul Clowes, Cincinnati’s Andrew Wiedeman gathered the ball and found Fall for the equalizer.
“Disappointing thing is we gifted them a goal,” Pulis said. “I felt like they never really caused us too many problems in open play. It was just us causing ourselves problems in our defensive transition.”
OCB will have a chance to break through with a home win Saturday when the Lions host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:30 p.m.