Edson Edward becomes an Eddie

Canadian fullback Edson Edward has inked a deal with FC Edmonton, thanks to a little help from his friend.

The Ottawa native, who can play both on the left and right sides, was a regular in the Puerto Rico Islanders’ lineup in 2012, and his mix of size and speed enamoured the FCE front office. Before coming to NASL, Edward was part of the FC Dallas set-up. In two seasons in Texas, Edward didn’t get much of a chance to show his stuff to the first-team fans. He only had five minutes of MLS action in two years with the Hoops.

But he showed very well with the Islanders in 2012, and logged 1550 minutes.

With left back continuing to be a huge issues for the Eddies, the additions of Edward and 2011 Best XI defender Lance Laing should give the team more depth at that position than it’s had before. Laing can be used on the left or could move to the middle to partner with Paul Hamilton, even though the club has high hopes for FC Edmonton reserve star Mallan Roberts, who is expected to be at the big club this season. Roberts is a special player who likely would have been on the big club in 2012 had it not been for paperwork issues. As a Sierra Leone refugee, Roberts had some extra hoops to go through.

And, with Edward, it marks the third time in the last three weeks that FCE has signed a player with NASL experience — after Laing and defensive midfielder Neil Hlavaty. This once again is proof that the club has steered toward a policy of signing established NASL players rather than go fishing for foreign talent that doesn’t know the league — and struggles to adjust to the different playing surfaces, the summer heat and the travel times.

FC Edmonton midfielder Kenny Caceros grew up in Ottawa, and played youth soccer with Edward. They were also teammates with the Ottawa Fury. And Caceros was key in helping convince his close friend to join him with the Eddies.

After all, Edson Edward, an Eddie? Had to happen!