Championship Experience -Technical Sessions #7
At the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, Mo Johnston and his staff went about drafting players with championship experience at the collegiate level. Julius James and his University of Connecticut teammates captured the Big East Championship this season. UCLA’s Mike Zaher played in the 2006 College Cup. Wake Forest’s Patrick Phelan and Brian Edwards were instrumental members of the 2007 NCAA Champion Demon Deacons.
Toronto FC acquired goalkeeper Brian Edwards with the 28th overall pick from the Los Angeles Galaxy for allocation money. He was the first ever goalkeeper to be drafted by Toronto FC and the third overall selected at the 2008 SuperDraft. After playing in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference as well as the 2007 NCAA College Cup, Edwards is ready to begin his professional career.
“I have four seasons of college experience under my belt. I will learn and take a little bit from each experience. I am going to apply that to my game to help me be successful at the next level.”
In 2007, Toronto FC’s goalkeepers suffered through a season of injuries and inconsistency. The 2007 NCAA College Cup Defensive MVP is prepared to compete for minutes right away.
“I am looking forward to getting fit, getting into camp, and making my mark. I am looking at it as a challenge and I am really excited about it.”
Edwards leaves for preseason training knowing that he will be joined by his collegiate teammate. Patrick Phelan was selected in the first round by Toronto FC. He spoke about his fellow Demon Deacon.
“When I got picked, that was one of the first things I thought about. We are good friends and we have played together for a number of years now. It is going to be nice to have a familiar face up there. He is just a tremendous player.”
Several supporters made the trip to Baltimore, Maryland for the MLS SuperDraft. Edwards commented on his personal encounter with them.
“They are great! I have already experienced them first hand. They were the loudest group at the draft. Afterwards when I got out of media, they came over and introduced themselves. I know they bring that emotion to the stadium. I hear that it is the best place to play.”
[Please Note]
This interview first seen at GoTorontoFC.
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