Dynamo Dos sign Kyle Edwards to MLS NextPro contract

Kyle Edwards has been following the dream of professional soccer for a quarter of a century. He left the tiny island of St. Vincent to play club, college and professional soccer in the United States. This past weekend Edwards signed a contract with the Dynamo Dos ahead of their match at ONC Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Edwards played his college ball at Ranger College in Ranger Texas, before transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande. By the time he was drafted with 86th pick by the Houston Dynamo in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, he had finished his college career in the top two in shots, goals and points. He became the first player drafted into the MLS from UTRGV. Prior to being drafted by Houston, Edwards played for the 2019 USL League Two Brazos Valley Cavalry where he won the Golden Boot as the top goal scorer. With RGV FC, he recorded six goals and three assists in 23 matches.

Edwards coming off of injury saw his first action Saturday night against Sporting Kansas City 2. Dynamo Dos head coach Kevin Bundy who was familiar with Edwards before he arrived in Houston had this to say about the forward's first appearance.

"Calling Kyle yesterday, telling him he is cleared to play is the reason why I coach. Seeing what he's suffered through. Not being able to play and just train and without any possibility of stepping on the field on the weekend, I was really proud of him. I was really proud of him. I think people are going to be very impressed when they see an in-form Kyle Edwards. I had the opportunity to do that 2018-2019 with the USL2 team. And there's a reason why we brought him. He's an unbelievable player, especially a leader to the young guys. I'm so excited that he got to play. Obviously for him I would have loved for him to score a goal, but I think I think the club, I think the fans are going to be very excited to see what he can do over the next 12 games.” 

Edwards joins the MLS Next Pro Houston side that has now lost consecutive games. Envisioning himself as a striker, Edwards loves the thought of getting on behind the backline and doing his thing much like happened on Saturday night. In the seventh minute of play Papa N'Doye found Edwards breaking in behind the SKC 2's defense. Although, it didn't result in a goal it highlighted what Dynamo Dos fans can look forward to with them on the pitch.

“I think more as a striker because I have the ability to run in behind and also play as a holding forward and Papa has the same ability as well," expressed Edwards after his performance. "So I think with us they have their together, it's very good for the team, because we both can each run in behind and also for the play and play off each other. I think that's something we've worked on ever since preseason and ever since we've been together. Like, we always talk about how how much we play off each other, how much we understand each other and I think today is a perfect example of all the hard work we put in.”  

For now Edwards is just happy to be back on the pitch and ready to contribute to the Dos' success over the final 12 games. One day though, he'd like to be back playing at PNC Stadium with the first team.

 “It's a very overwhelming feeling. The stadium is fantastic," concluded Edwards. "The fans are very energetic, and it's just a wonderful environment to be in. I think any player would love to be here.”