Toronto FC’s Nathaniel edwards#25 Pulls Off the Most Hilarious Tackle — Ends Up Tackling a Hot Dog, Not a Forward!
So, you’re curious about Nathaniel Edwards and why he’s become a name to watch at Toronto FC. Nathaniel Edwards, 21, plays as a defender for Toronto FC, wearing number 25. He’s signed through 2025, with the club holding options for 2026 and 2027. His rise has been steady—climbing up from Toronto FC II to the first team. Honestly, his development says a lot about the club’s growing faith in young Canadian players.
You can trace his roots back to Purdue University Fort Wayne and then Syracuse University, where he really sharpened his skills in the NCAA before going pro. Toronto FC II in MLS NEXT Pro gave him the reps he needed—23 appearances and a goal in 2024—before he broke into the first team against CS Saint-Laurent in the Canadian Championship.
Watch him on the pitch and you’ll notice a defender who mixes discipline with real composure. His college days and time in Toronto FC’s system shaped that. His progress kind of hints at how Toronto FC wants to build for the future. There’s every reason to think his influence will keep growing. If you want more details, check out the official Toronto FC announcement.
Contents
Nathaniel Edwards: Player Profile
Nathaniel Edwards stands out as a young Canadian defender who worked his way up from Toronto FC II. His time at Syracuse University helped him develop the consistency and discipline that now show up in his pro game.
Position and Playing Style
Edwards mainly lines up as a defender, though he’s shown versatility across the back line. At Toronto FC, you can see how quickly he reads the game and steps into passing lanes before attackers get going.
He uses positioning and awareness instead of risky tackles. He sticks close with the back four, making sure the shape stays tight when Toronto FC drops deep.
When the team transitions, Edwards looks comfortable moving the ball forward. His short passing is reliable, and he doesn’t rush things in possession. You probably won’t see him try wild, cross-field switches, but he plays to his strengths and keeps things moving.
For someone his age, his calmness under pressure really stands out. He doesn’t force passes or panic—he waits for a smart option or simply clears the danger.
Jersey Number and Role at Toronto FC
Edwards wears the #25 jersey for Toronto FC. That’s been his number since joining the first team in 2024. For fans, it marks him as a promising piece of the roster—definitely not a grizzled veteran just yet.
His job is pretty clear: add depth to the defense and fight for minutes in league and cup matches. You’ll spot him in the lineup when injuries hit or the schedule gets packed.
Toronto FC has started relying on younger guys like Edwards to balance things out. His time with Toronto FC II set him up for this, giving him solid match experience before the leap.
When he gets the call, Edwards brings energy and discipline. He’s not starting every week yet, but the coaching staff trusts him.
Toronto FC Career Snapshot
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toronto FC II | MLS NEXT Pro | Data varies | 0 |
| 2024 | Toronto FC | Major League Soccer | Ongoing | 0 |
Physical Attributes and Skills
Edwards was born on October 18, 2002, so he’s 22 now. He fits the modern defender mold: mobile, balanced, and durable. He covers ground quickly, which helps when opponents break past the midfield.
He isn’t the tallest center back, but his timing in challenges lets him compete in the air. His footwork stands out—he reacts fast when attackers try to change direction.
His fitness lets him keep up the pace all game. Late in matches, he still looks sharp, which is huge for defenders under pressure.
Technically, his first touch and passing range are solid. He picks the safe play over the risky one, which helps Toronto FC stay steady at the back. As he gets more first-team minutes, you might see him try more things as his confidence grows.
For Toronto FC, Edwards brings a mix of athleticism and composure that fits with their focus on developing reliable young players.
Toronto FC Career
Nathaniel Edwards made his way to Toronto FC by working through Toronto FC II. He earned his first team contract through steady performances. His journey from NCAA soccer at Syracuse and Purdue Fort Wayne to MLS highlights his consistency and growth in both defensive and midfield roles.
Signing and Contract Details
Toronto FC signed Nathaniel Edwards to an MLS contract in 2024 after he impressed with Toronto FC II. At 21, he earned a deal through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027. That setup gave Toronto FC both security and flexibility as he developed.
Before the signing, Edwards stood out in MLS NEXT Pro, picking up a goal and two assists in 23 matches. He contributed in both defense and attack, which made him a solid choice for promotion.
He’s from Brampton and played for Vaughan Azzurri as a youth. At Purdue Fort Wayne, he logged 40 appearances, then finished his college run at Syracuse with 21 games, one goal, and four assists in 2023.
First Team Debut and Appearances
Edwards made his Toronto FC first team debut in May 2024 during the Canadian Championship against CS Saint-Laurent. That came after three short-term agreements earlier in the season, giving him a shot to train and compete at the MLS level.
He scored his first pro goal with Toronto FC II earlier that summer against Inter Miami CF II—a nice moment that showed he could push forward from the back. By the time he joined the senior squad, you could see the boost in his confidence.
Here’s a quick look at his early pro career:
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2022 | Purdue Fort Wayne | 40 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023 | Syracuse Orange | 21 | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | Toronto FC II | 23 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | Toronto FC | Limited | 0 | 0 |
Role in the 2025 Season
In 2025, Edwards entered his first full MLS season as a Toronto FC defender. You can expect him to provide depth and competition at outside back, and he’s also able to shift into midfield if needed.
He stands 5’8’’ and weighs 167 pounds—built more for quick defensive coverage than for dominating in the air. That makes him valuable in matchups that require speed and ball recovery.
Toronto’s coaches like his adaptability, so they use him in different tactical setups. For a team mixing veterans and young prospects, Edwards gives them a steady option who could take on a bigger role soon.
You’ll notice his minutes go up, especially during busy stretches. His focus in 2025 is on getting even better with his positioning and staying consistent against tougher MLS attackers.
Pathway Through MLS NEXT Pro and Toronto FC II
Nathaniel Edwards used Toronto FC II as his springboard, proving himself in MLS NEXT Pro and earning a full contract with Toronto FC. His steady growth and adaptability helped him make the jump from the second team to MLS.
Development at Toronto FC II
Edwards’ growth started with his signing for Toronto FC II in early 2024, right after he wrapped up at Syracuse. He brought experience from both Syracuse and Purdue Fort Wayne, where he balanced academic honors with reliable play.
At Toronto FC II, he quickly became a regular starter. He played both in midfield and defense, giving coaches lineup options. His first pro goal came against Inter Miami CF II in June 2024—a moment that showed he wasn’t afraid to push forward.
Out of 23 appearances in his first MLS NEXT Pro season, he started 17. That kind of trust from coaches helped him step up to the first team.
MLS NEXT Pro Experience
You can see Edwards’ impact in MLS NEXT Pro by looking at his performances in big matches. He scored a match-winner against Columbus Crew 2 that earned him Goal of Matchweek 20. He also opened Toronto FC II’s 2025 season with the only goal in a win over FC Cincinnati 2.
His numbers show steady progress:
| Season | Club | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Toronto FC II | 23 | 17 | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 | Toronto FC II | Ongoing | — | 2+ | — |
He’s contributed on both sides of the ball, which is rare for someone listed mainly as a defender. MLS NEXT Pro gave him the chance to work on his positioning, decision-making, and ball distribution under pressure.
Transition to Toronto FC First Team
Edwards’ rise became official when Toronto FC signed him to a first-team contract in September 2024. The deal runs through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027. His performances had already made it clear he was ready for MLS.
He made short-term appearances with the first team, including his debut in the Canadian Championship against CS Saint-Laurent. Those games gave him a taste of MLS speed and physicality.
By the time he joined Toronto FC full-time, he had shown he could handle different roles, adapt to tactical demands, and stay composed in tough spots. His path through Toronto FC II and MLS NEXT Pro really set him up for his role with the first team.
College and Early Career
Nathaniel Edwards built his game through steady progress in college and Canadian youth soccer. You can follow his growth from structured NCAA play to his time with local clubs that shaped his foundation.
NCAA Soccer Achievements
Edwards finished his college career at Syracuse University in 2023 after three seasons at Purdue University Fort Wayne. At Syracuse, he played 21 matches, with one goal and four assists. His consistency earned him spots on the All-ACC Academic Team and the CSC Academic All-District Team.
Before Syracuse, he made 40 appearances for Purdue Fort Wayne, adding two goals and one assist. He kept improving each season, especially in defense and supporting the attack.
He contributed on both ends of the field, making himself a versatile option for coaches. By his senior year, he’d become a more complete player, ready for tougher competition.
College Career Stats
| School | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 2020–2022 | 40 | 2 | 1 |
| Syracuse University | 2023 | 21 | 1 | 4 |
Youth Clubs and Early Training
Edwards grew up in Brampton, Ontario, and played for Vaughan Azzurri SC, one of the top youth clubs in the area. That program gave him a competitive environment and got him ready for NCAA soccer.
He also played for St. Edmund Campion Secondary School. Competing in high school let him balance academics and athletics while getting valuable match experience.
You start to understand Edwards as a player from these early years. That foundation—technical skills and discipline—carried him into college soccer. By the time he reached Syracuse, he already had the tools to compete at a higher level.
His path from Vaughan Azzurri to NCAA soccer helps explain how he adapted so quickly when he joined Toronto FC II.
Key Teammates and Collaborations
You can really see the value of a young defender not just in his own skill, but in the way he connects with teammates. Nathaniel Edwards has already started building key relationships on the field, and those bonds shape how he develops and makes an impact at Toronto FC.
Partnership with Charlie Sharp
When Toronto FC brought up both Nathaniel Edwards and Charlie Sharp from Toronto FC II, it showed real trust. These two guys had shown consistency at the MLS NEXT Pro level, and suddenly, they were making the jump together.
Edwards came from Syracuse University, while Sharp arrived from Western Michigan. They both joined the first team at the same time, which gave them a shared experience to lean on.
That timing actually matters more than people might think. Both players adjusted to the speed of MLS together, and the familiarity they built in the reserve team helped a lot.
Sharp works up front, and Edwards holds things down in defense, so their roles balance each other out in training and games.
Edwards likes to play accurate passes from the back, which really suits Sharp’s movement in the final third. In scrimmages and matches, Edwards gives Sharp service, and at the same time, he gets to test his own distribution under pressure.
Key Numbers from Toronto FC II (2023-24):
| Player | Matches | Goals | Assists | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel Edwards | 22 | 1 | 2 | Defender |
| Charlie Sharp | 15 | 5 | 2 | Forward |
These stats show how both players made their mark in different ways before moving up to MLS.
Working with Toronto FC Defenders and Forwards
Defenders need chemistry with the back line, and Edwards has spent time working alongside both veterans and younger guys. He learns the communication patterns that keep Toronto FC organized, and his positioning gets better when he plays next to experienced teammates who help run the line.
His collaboration doesn’t stop there. Edwards often starts attacking moves with clean passes to midfielders or wide players. That kind of transition is crucial for a team that wants to balance defense and attack.
Forwards benefit from his quick thinking. When Edwards moves the ball with speed and accuracy, the attacking players get it in better spots, which gives them more chances to make something happen.
That link between defense and attack is where you really notice his influence.
By working with defenders and forwards, Edwards isn’t just filling a spot—he’s building habits that help Toronto FC work as a real unit.
Recognition and Future Potential
You can see Nathaniel Edwards making a steady climb from academy prospect to first-team contributor. That journey says a lot about his work ethic and about Toronto FC’s faith in his development.
His background at Syracuse University and his time with Toronto FC II gave him a solid platform to reach Major League Soccer. Now, his growth gets measured in minutes, consistency, and how well he adapts.
Notable Performances and Awards
Edwards hasn’t picked up major individual awards in MLS yet, but he’s made steady contributions at every stop. At Syracuse, he earned regular starts and built a reputation as a reliable defender who could push forward when needed.
That foundation definitely carried over to Toronto FC II, where he became a key part of the back line.
His recognition comes more from trust than trophies, honestly. Toronto FC signed him to a first-team contract through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027. That kind of commitment means the club really values his long-term potential.
His early MLS appearances haven’t produced flashy highlights, but he’s earned praise for his positioning and discipline. Coaches often mention his ability to read the game and stay calm under pressure.
Those qualities don’t always make headlines, but they’re usually what help defenders stick around in this league.
Key Stats (2024 season, MLS & MLS NEXT Pro):
| Competition | Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 5 | 310 | 0 | 0 | Defender |
| MLS NEXT Pro (TFC II) | 18 | 1,420 | 1 | 2 | Defender |
Prospects in MLS and Beyond
When you check out Edwards’ profile, you notice a defender who’s still figuring things out but definitely has the tools to stick around in MLS. At 22, he’s got time on his side—he can keep growing physically and sharpening his tactical sense. Toronto FC clearly believes in him; they wouldn’t invest if they didn’t see a future regular starter.
His current MLS contract runs through 2025, with club options for two extra years. That kind of setup gives him a real shot to prove himself. It’s nice for both sides, honestly. He gets the space to earn a bigger role, and there’s less stress about having to deliver instantly.
Don’t forget his international prospects. Since he’s Canadian, Edwards could catch the national team’s eye if he racks up steady minutes in MLS. Canada’s still building up its defensive pool, and coaches are watching young players like him pretty closely.
Looking further ahead, maybe he’ll get opportunities outside MLS if he keeps improving. Sure, talk of Europe feels a bit early, but let’s be real—defenders with good positioning and adaptability tend to attract interest overseas. For now, though, he’s locked in on Toronto, where he’s got a real chance to become a key piece of their defensive core.
