MLS Draft 2015: Orlando City Selects Earl Edwards Jr. with No. 43 Pick

With the inaugural Major League Soccer roster looking closer to complete each day, Orlando City SC have added Earl Edwards Jr. from UCLA to start the third round of the MLS SuperDraft.

While the book on Edwards Jr. is that he’s a raw talent, he played with the U.S. National Team at the U-14 through U-20 levels. Additionally, he showed leadership qualities at UCLA, acting as team captain for the previous three seasons.

In 2014, the net-minder was a First-Team All Pac-12 selection. He showed durability as well, starting all 24 matches for the Bruins and posting a 0.89 goals-against average (GAA).

With Tally Hall recovering from ACL surgery until the summer, the Lions will need a third fit keeper on the roster to back up Donovan Ricketts and Josh Ford. While it’s unlikely he would be called on to start any MLS matches in 2015, Edwards Jr. has the physical skills and experience to do so if necessary.

When the presumptive starter Hall returns to fitness, the Lions may try to deal Ricketts or Ford and keep the less expensive Edwards Jr. as the third keeper. If not, they could also send him to Louisville City FC to get some match time with our USL Pro affiliate.

Regardless, Edwards Jr. has all the physical skills and potential to develop into the keeper of the future for the Lions.