Sounders FC U-23 News Release -- www.soundersu23.com
Saturday, April 27, 2013
TACOMA, Wash. – The Sounders FC U-23 have announced the signing of two additional top-notch NCAA players. Midfielder Eric Stevenson of Akron University and goalkeeper Earl Edwards of UCLA will join an already very talented Sounders U-23 side for the 2013 PDL season.
Stevenson is coming off of his redshirt-junior season for the Zips, starting all 22 games. He posted seven goals and five assists against highly competitive Mid-American Conference foes, and was named to the All-MAC Second Team.
“I am really excited about my opportunity to come to Seattle and play for the Sounders U-23,” Stevenson said. “I have heard really good things about the organization from teammates and current Sounders players like DeAndre [Yedlin], and it will be a great experience for me to get quality training and games with quality players.”
Pryor to his college career, Stevenson was a well decorated high school player earning NSCAA High School All-American, and two-time Division III All-Ohio first team honors.
Edwards started 15 games for the Bruins in his redshirt-sophomore season, allowing only 19 goals with a record of 10-3-2 over that span. He brings the experience of being a team captain for the Bruins to the Sounders U-23, and the confidence to lead a team.
“As a goalkeeper I think I have good size, I'm athletic and have a strong presence. I organize my defense well, and my distribution can help a team possess the ball,” Edwards said.
He also brings his experience of international play to the team. Edwards is a member of the U.S. U-20 National Team, and was the starting keeper for the U.S. at the 2009 U-17 World Cup.
The Sounders U-23 open up PDL regular season play against the Portland Timbers U-23 on May 16th at JELD-WEN field in Portland. Their first home match will come on May 24th at 7:00 p.m. at Curtis High School Stadium against the Kitsap Pumas.
For more information on roster signings, schedule and U.S. Open Cup draw, visit SoundersU23.com, follow us on Twitter: @SoundersU23, or ’Like’ us on Facebook.