May 30, 2008 MLS Toronto FC story on Brian Edwards (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
05/30/2008 1:43PM
Edwards excited to get his chance
With Sutton on international duty, backup keeper gets chance to start
Toronto FC Media Relations
Brian Edwards is set to make his home debut when Toronto FC face LA Galaxy at BMO Field on Saturday. Kick off is at 3:30 p.m. ET live on CBC. Edwards will be in goal in place of Greg Sutton who is away on international duty with Canada. Edwards started the season opener at Columbus Crew but has been kept out of the side since then by Sutton.
Edwards was picked by the Reds in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and is excited to be making his first appearance in front of the fans at BMO Field. "I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be great. Our fans almost made that Crew game like a home game, but it's such an amazing atmosphere here. I really have to stay focused and not get carried away with the festivities; but that's all part of it and I can't wait," he said. "I know this is my big chance. I want to go out there and put in my best performance and try and be part of a win here at home which we definitely need. You have to get all of your points at home."
The American keeper has learnt a lot from Greg Sutton during the opening two months of the season. "I learn things from Greg all the time, whether it's in training or making big saves in games," he said. "I even learnt from the way he dealt with me playing in the opener and then him coming back in; also how he handled playing an unbelievable game at D.C. and letting in four goals. I learn everything I can off him and he's been a really big asset to me."
Toronto FC have only conceded one goal in the last five home games and Edwards is pleased to be going into a side that has been defending so well. "The defense has been really good at home recently, we have depth there and you can't say enough about how good they are as a unit. Hopefully that will make things a lot easier for me."
Coach John Carver has every confidence in Edwards' ability. "He started the first game of the season on what I saw from him in pre-season," said Carver. "I've got confidence that Brian can step into Greg's shoes. Greg has been our best player for me. He's been outstanding and he deserves the call up for Canada. I wish he was still here, but he's earned the right to play for his country with his performances this year."
"If Brian can come in and emulate what Greg has done, we won't have a problem," added Carver. "I'm sure he will, because he's been waiting for a chance. That applies to everyone in the team. We've got three or four guys away, and there are people who've been waiting patiently who are now going to get a chance. As i've said all along, if they take that chance, they will stay in the team."
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