Earl Edwards Jr., San Jose Earthquakes Goalkeeper #36: Career & Impact
You know the name Earl Edwards Jr., but let’s dig into why his spot with the San Jose Earthquakes really matters in 2025. Wearing number 36, he steps into goal with the calm of a veteran and the hunger of someone who’s had to scrap for every minute.
Earl Edwards Jr. is the goalkeeper you want when you need stability, leadership, and experience.
His journey goes back to UCLA, where he stood out as a dependable shot-stopper and led the Bruins to the College Cup final in 2014.
After college, he moved through Orlando and New England before landing in San Jose. He brought not just skill, but years of growth as a pro. His recent selection to MLS Team of the Matchday says a lot about his growing impact.
Following his path, you see more than just a keeper making saves. He’s become part of a rebuild, after San Jose acquired him from New England for $150,000 in general allocation money, as MLS reported.
That move shows his value on the field and the trust the Earthquakes put in him to help steady a team still searching for a new identity.
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Earl Edwards Jr.: Player Profile
He’s built his career on steady development, strong physical tools, and knowing his role in net. From youth soccer in California to Major League Soccer, he’s shown consistency and adaptability.
Background and Early Life
Earl Edwards Jr. was born January 24, 1992, in San Diego, California. Growing up in Southern California gave him early access to tough soccer environments that shaped him as a goalkeeper.
He played college soccer at UCLA, starting for four years with the Bruins.
During his time there, he earned recognition for his leadership and shot-stopping. That helped him land pro opportunities.
Orlando City SC picked him in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He later played for D.C. United and the New England Revolution before joining the San Jose Earthquakes in 2024.
His journey shows persistence. He waited for chances, learned from veteran keepers, and eventually carved out a role as a reliable option in MLS.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Edwards stands 6’3″ (191 cm) and weighs about 205 lbs (93 kg). His size gives him presence in goal.
His frame lets him cover the net well, and his reach helps in aerial duels and shot-stopping.
You’ll notice his style relies on positioning and anticipation. He doesn’t just react; he uses angles and timing to limit chances.
He stays calm, which steadies the back line.
He’s also comfortable with the ball at his feet. In today’s MLS, keepers need to start attacks, and Edwards can distribute short or long when needed.
Key Attributes:
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Preferred foot: Right
- Strengths: Shot-stopping, positioning, distribution
Role as a Goalkeeper
For the San Jose Earthquakes, Edwards wears the #36 jersey and brings depth and competition to the goalkeeper spot.
His experience across several MLS clubs makes him a valuable presence in the locker room.
You’ll see him in matches where composure and leadership are needed. He’s stepped into high-pressure games, including rivalry fixtures, and managed the moment.
His role goes beyond making saves. Edwards talks with defenders, organizes the back line, and reads the game to prevent breakdowns.
That’s why coaches trust him, even when he’s not the first-choice starter.
Career Club Timeline
| Years | Club | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2018 | Orlando City SC | Goalkeeper |
| 2019–2020 | D.C. United | Goalkeeper |
| 2020–2024 | New England Revolution | Goalkeeper |
| 2024–2025 | San Jose Earthquakes | Goalkeeper |
San Jose Earthquakes and MLS Career
Earl Edwards Jr. has put together a steady MLS career, stopping at a few clubs before arriving in San Jose.
His path shows he’s persistent, adaptable, and ready to step up when called on.
Joining the San Jose Earthquakes
Edwards Jr. joined the San Jose Earthquakes in late 2024 after a trade with the New England Revolution. The deal sent $150,000 in General Allocation Money to New England, opening a roster spot for them and giving San Jose a veteran keeper.
The Earthquakes needed depth and reliability in goal. Edwards Jr. brought both, and quickly earned recognition for his performances.
In May 2025, he made the MLS Team of the Matchday after shutting out the LA Galaxy in the California Clasico.
His arrival brought leadership to a young roster. At 33, his maturity and league experience make him a steadying presence in San Jose’s locker room.
MLS Journey and Previous Clubs
Before San Jose, Edwards Jr. played for several MLS teams.
He started with Orlando City SC, drafted in 2015 after a strong college career at UCLA.
His time in Orlando was mostly as a backup, but he picked up minutes in U.S. Open Cup matches.
He moved to D.C. United in 2019, again serving as a dependable backup. In 2021, he joined the New England Revolution under Bruce Arena.
There, he earned praise for professionalism and strong training habits, even if he wasn’t starting regularly.
This experience across different clubs shaped him into a keeper who understands MLS demands.
He’s adapted to various systems, coaches, and locker rooms, which makes him a trusted option for San Jose now.
MLS Career Stats (through 2025):
| Club | Years | MLS Apps | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando City SC | 2015–2018 | 6 | 1 |
| D.C. United | 2019–2020 | 0 | 0 |
| New England Revolution | 2021–2024 | 7 | 2 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2024–2025 | 8 | 3 |
Significance of Jersey #36
With the Earthquakes, Edwards Jr. wears number 36. For fans, numbers usually mean something, and for him, it’s about continuity.
He wore the same number with New England, keeping a consistent identity across clubs.
Goalkeepers often stick with higher numbers, and 36 has become part of his pro brand.
When you see that number, you know it’s him—a steady, experienced presence.
It’s not the typical starting keeper number like 1 or 13. By sticking with 36, Edwards Jr. shows comfort in his own path, embracing a number that’s traveled with him from club to club.
Transfer Details and General Allocation Money
Earl Edwards Jr. joined San Jose after a direct trade with New England. The deal was all about roster flexibility and financial strategy, with General Allocation Money at the center.
Trade from New England Revolution
Edwards moved from New England to San Jose in December 2024. The Revolution sent him west for $150,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money.
That’s a mid-level price for a veteran keeper with a decade in MLS.
New England’s move opened a supplemental roster slot. This gave them room to add depth elsewhere, moving on from a player who’d mostly been a backup.
Edwards, who played at UCLA before MLS, gave the Revolution four steady seasons, including a career-high 10 league appearances in 2023.
For San Jose, the trade brought in a 32-year-old keeper who knows Orlando City, D.C. United, and New England systems.
You get a player who’s seen different tournaments and locker rooms, adding stability to a changing roster.
Career MLS Stats (2015–2024):
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 21 |
| Saves | 56 |
| Clean Sheets | 2 |
2025 General Allocation Money Transaction
The $150,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money—GAM for short—isn’t just cash. It’s a budget tool every MLS club uses for the salary cap.
You can use GAM to lower a player’s budget charge, sign new talent, or re-sign players.
For New England, getting $150,000 in 2025 GAM meant more flexibility for the new season. That flexibility helps them target reinforcements where they need it.
It also gives them some wiggle room under strict league roster rules.
San Jose spent GAM to secure a proven veteran. By doing that, the Earthquakes showed they value stability at goalkeeper over future spending power.
The trade strikes a balance between short-term needs and long-term planning.
Check out the official Earthquakes announcement for more transaction details.
Performance and Career Statistics
Earl Edwards Jr. has built a steady career as a reliable MLS goalkeeper. His experience, plus his UCLA background, gives you a clear picture of a player who values consistency and preparation.
MLS Appearances and Clean Sheets
You can track Edwards’ journey through his league appearances and clean sheet record.
Since joining San Jose in 2024 from New England, he’s been a dependable option in net.
Transfermarkt puts his market value around €125k, which fits his role as a seasoned veteran.
His career includes stops at Orlando City, New England, and now San Jose.
He hasn’t always been the first-choice starter, but he’s shown he can step in and deliver when needed.
Career MLS Stats (selected seasons):
| Season | Club | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2018 | Orlando City SC | 6 | 1 | 10 |
| 2020–2023 | New England Rev. | 9 | 2 | 12 |
| 2024–2025 | San Jose Earthquakes | 10+ | 3 | 11 |
These numbers show a keeper who brings depth and stability—especially important in a league where rosters change fast.
Notable Matches and Achievements
You remember players for the big moments, and Edwards has had his share.
In 2025, he made MLS’s Team of the Matchday after a strong showing in the California Clasico against LA Galaxy.
His saves kept a 1-0 win intact, showing just how valuable he is in high-pressure games.
Earlier in his career, Edwards made notable appearances in U.S. Open Cup matches, where rotation gave him chances to start.
Those performances helped him keep a reputation as a reliable backup who can step up when it matters.
At UCLA, he built the foundation of his game. That background still shows in how he commands the box and organizes the defense.
His career highlights may not be packed with trophies, but they reflect a goalkeeper who’s carved out a meaningful MLS role through steady play and professionalism.
Off the Field: Leadership and Advocacy
Earl Edwards Jr., who once starred at UCLA, has built a reputation that goes way beyond just being the San Jose Earthquakes’ goalkeeper. People notice how he stands up for players’ interests and keeps pushing for more fairness in soccer.
MLS Players Association Involvement
It really matters when a player steps up for his teammates, not just during matches but when it comes to bigger issues. Edwards Jr. has stayed active in the MLS Players Association, fighting for fair treatment, better contracts, and improved working conditions.
He’s rolled up his sleeves and joined negotiations that have shaped league policies, like those around free agency and how salaries work. You won’t see his name splashed across headlines, but his steady advocacy has helped both veterans and rookies in MLS.
Key areas of his involvement include:
- Collective bargaining talks
- Player health and safety measures
- Support for guaranteed contracts
This kind of work takes patience. You really have to understand how the league ticks. By staying involved, Edwards Jr. has pushed for changes that give players more security and a stronger voice.
Black Players for Change and Community Work
Off the pitch, Edwards Jr. has taken on another big role as president of Black Players for Change. This group, started by MLS players, tackles racial inequities in soccer and tries to open more doors for Black athletes and coaches.
He’s organized demonstrations, backed youth programs, and built partnerships with MLS clubs to boost representation. Under his leadership, the group has kept pushing for more diversity in front offices and on coaching staffs.
Community initiatives often focus on:
- Youth soccer access in underserved areas
- Mentorship programs for minority players
- Advocacy for hiring practices within MLS clubs
This work isn’t just for show. The group sets clear goals and holds itself accountable. Edwards Jr. keeps saying he’s committed to long-term change, not just quick fixes, and that attitude keeps shaping what leadership looks like in MLS.
Youth and College Soccer Development
You can trace the roots of Earl Edwards Jr.’s career back to his early days in tough training environments and high-level games. His journey started in a national youth program and led him to UCLA, where he turned heads as one of the country’s top college goalkeepers.
IMG Academy and U.S. Youth National Teams
Growing up in San Diego, Edwards Jr. was surrounded by a family that really loved sports. That support helped him earn a spot at IMG Academy in Florida, which is about as competitive as it gets for young soccer players in the U.S.
At IMG, he trained every day with some of the country’s best young talent. He also played for the U.S. at the U-17 and U-20 levels. Representing the national team gave him a taste of international competition and helped him sharpen his technical skills.
Those games challenged his decision-making and let him face all sorts of playing styles. The mix of academy training and international matches gave him the confidence and awareness he’d need to succeed in college soccer.
Even before he set foot on UCLA’s field, people noticed how he could read the game and organize his defenders.
UCLA Bruins and Collegiate Success
At UCLA, Edwards really grew into a reliable starter between 2010 and 2014. He picked up All-Pac-12 honors and pushed the Bruins all the way to the College Cup final in 2014.
His leadership mattered just as much as his shot-stopping, especially when things got tense in tournament matches. You could see him settle the defense or rally the team when it counted.
He logged steady minutes every year and kept improving. Here’s a quick look at his key stats from his UCLA days:
| Season | Games Played | Saves | Shutouts | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Redshirt | — | — | — |
| 2011 | Limited | — | — | — |
| 2012 | Starter | 60+ | 7 | All-Pac-12 Honorable |
| 2013 | Starter | 70+ | 8 | All-Pac-12 Second Team |
| 2014 | Starter | 80+ | 10 | All-Pac-12 First Team |
When you look back at his UCLA career, his consistency and leadership stand out. Those performances in the NCAA tournament, especially in 2014, set him up for the next level.
