Orlando Pride Midfielder Becky Edwards Retiring After Season Finale

Orlando Pride midfielder Becky Edwards is calling it a career. Following Saturday’s season finale against FC Kansas City at Camping World Stadium, the Florida State product will hang up her boots after a seven-year pro career.

Edwards, 28, was acquired Dec. 17, 2015, along with Kristen Edmonds from the Western New York Flash in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft and Orlando’s first-round pick in 2017.

“It’s been seven years playing professionally and, in my heart, it feels right. I’ve had a good career and I think I’ve given it my all in every environment I’ve been in,” Edwards said in a club press release. “For me, personally, it feels like it’s time for something else. I feel satisfied. I’ve played with some of the best players in the world; I’ve won championships. It just feels like it’s time. Being here in Orlando has been incredible; the organization has been awesome. Now, I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”

A native of Downington, PA, Edwards has appeared in 15 matches with the Pride in 2016, starting nine, and playing 735 minutes. Edwards has four shot attempts (two on goal), committing 12 fouls while drawing seven, and earning one yellow card. She has not scored or assisted on a goal this season. Still, the Pride have drawn on her experience and calm demeanor on the pitch during this expansion year.

“[Edwards] is a consummate professional and one of the most respected players in the game by players and coaches alike,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said.  “She's been an outstanding leader here in Orlando and made a significant contribution to our team both on and off the field in our inaugural year. I wish her every success moving forward. She will always remain a part of the Pride family.”

Edwards played in 95 games, scoring 10 goals in her four seasons at Florida State from 2006-2009, where she was a Hermann Trophy semifinalist and team captain her senior season. She was selected 12^th overall in 2010 by FC Gold Pride in the WPS draft. She scored one goal in 25 games with FC Gold Pride in 2010, helping her team win a league championship. She moved to the Western New York Flash in 2011, scoring three goals in 19 games, again winning a WPS title.

She played professionally in Sweden with Hammarby IF DFF in 2011, appearing in seven games, and with Kristianstads DFF in 2012, playing 18 games and scoring two goals.

Edwards signed with the Portland Thorns in 2013, playing 10 games before suffering a knee injury and subsequently moving on to the Houston Dash in 2015, where she appeared in 23 games. Last year with the Flash, Edwards scored twice and added three assists while playing every minute in all 20 games.

Internationally, Edwards has appeared with the U.S. U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams, serving as the U-20 captain in 2008. During that year, the U.S. U-20 team won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.