On Jan. 7, Kyle Edwards signed a contract with the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, a professional team of the United Soccer League.
Edwards said he could not wrap his head around getting signed and what was to come next.
“That’s a feeling that I can’t even explain myself,” he said. “Because, think about it, imagine playing or doing something, anything, your entire life and then you’re finally doing it as a job. It’s a two in one for you. You’re doing what you love and then you’re doing it as a job. It was very exciting, overwhelming for me.”
The following week on Jan. 13, the UTRGV forward was drafted by Houston Dynamo in the 2020 Major League Soccer SuperDraft in the fourth round (86th overall).
Paul Leese, UTRGV Men’s Soccer head coach, said he is excited about Edwards’ recent achievements.
“It wasn’t a surprise,” Leese said. “We have a very good relationship with the Houston Dynamo, the affiliate RGV FC [Toros]. And as coaches, I’ve spoken to those guys over the course of the last two years. So, we knew they had a strong interest in Kyle. They monitored him closely over the last 12 to 18 months, so we knew they were after him.”
He also said what separated Edwards on and off the field was his personality and ability with the ball.
“The ability to just bring the ball back through his legs, turn and curl the ball into the top corner, that’s Kyle,” Leese said. “He can do that out of nowhere. … But the funny things I’ll probably remember more are during warmups. Listening to him sing and dance and how the other guys around him are warming up with more energy, more enthusiasm because of him being there.”
Edwards ended his university career with the second most career goals (21) and points (49) in program history, all while also taking the record for career shots (114), according to GoUTRGV.com.
Fellow teammate and roommate William Akio said he and Edwards have great chemistry.
“Actually, one of our very first games together against, I’m not sure if it was Purdue, but we were down … and I came on my first game here as a preseason game and ran down the line, crossed it, Kyle scored,” Akio said. “Did it again five minutes later. Ran down the line, crossed it, scored, won that game. That’s when I knew, he’s very dangerous and I can work very well with him.”
The now former UTRGV forward said playing for the Vaqueros was a great experience for him.
“I learned a lot and I hope that everything that I’ve learned, I can put them into practice with my new club, professionally now,” he said. “Hopefully, I can learn more.”
Edwards will join RGV FC Toros against the Los Angeles Galaxy II on March 8 at H-E-B Park in Edinburg.
