The Earthquakes' New Era Kicks Off with Edwards Jr | OneFootball

Alright, folks, it’s official: Earl Edwards Jr. is packing his bags and heading to sunny California, leaving behind the chilly New England Revolution for a fresh start with the San Jose Earthquakes. And let’s be real, this move screams "rebuild" in bold letters. After a rough 2024 season that left them dead last, the Earthquakes are cleaning house and tossing out the old playbook. A new coach, fresh faces, and now a goalkeeper with a decade of MLS experience... it’s not hard to see that San Jose is ready to turn the page. But here’s the kicker, can Earl Edwards Jr. really be the guy to help pull this off?

To make this happen, San Jose handed over $150,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) to New England. In return, they got a keeper with a résumé that raises eyebrows: 21 games in ten years. Yep, you read that right, 21. So, why take a chance on someone who’s basically been glued to the bench?

If you’re just crunching the numbers, you might dismiss Edwards Jr. as another backup keeper bouncing around the league. But soccer is rarely that black and white. Edwards Jr. is known as a top-notch pro. He’s that guy who’s first at practice, always ready to step in, and keeps the locker room vibe just right. And for a team like San Jose, desperately trying to rebuild its identity, that kind of presence is worth its weight in gold.

Still, Edwards Jr.’s arrival is only part of the picture. He’s the fifth former Revolution player to land in San Jose this offseason, joining Dave Romney, Nick Lima, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Ian Harkes. This isn’t some random coincidence; it’s a clear strategy. San Jose is scooping up experienced players from a team that’s consistently battled at the top in recent years.

The Earthquakes aren’t just searching for players, they’re hunting for a blueprint, a playbook on how to be competitive. They’re looking to mold the chaotic squad of 2024 into something solid and reliable. And for that, Edwards Jr. might end up being more valuable off the field than between the posts.

Now, don’t get it twisted, Edwards Jr. isn’t walking in as the guaranteed starter. At least, that doesn’t seem to be the plan. He’s there to compete, to push the squad in training, and to be a mentor of sorts. But when the time comes, can he step up under the bright lights?

That’s the million-dollar question. While he’s shown glimpses of skill in his limited appearances, the reality is he’s never had a full season as a starter. And the MLS isn’t exactly forgiving. The grueling schedule, cross-country travel, it’s a grind. And lacking match fitness could turn into a real hurdle.

But there’s another side to this coin. Edwards Jr. has spent years training alongside some of the league’s best goalkeepers and forwards. Sure, he hasn’t logged many minutes on the field, but he’s been up close and personal with the action. Think of him as a mechanic who’s spent years watching others drive; he might not have racked up miles, but he knows the engine like the back of his hand.

The truth is, Edwards Jr.’s signing symbolizes something bigger. It’s San Jose’s way of signaling they’re ready to leave the mess of 2024 in the rearview mirror and start fresh. The coach now has a roster sprinkled with players who know this league inside and out, players who understand what it takes to compete. Edwards Jr., with his experience and upbeat mindset, fits this puzzle perfectly.

Of course, let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t some magic fix. The MLS is wildly unpredictable, and San Jose has a mountain to climb. Bringing in Edwards Jr. and the rest of these reinforcements isn’t going to solve every problem overnight. But one thing’s clear: there’s a plan in motion, and for a team that’s been wandering aimlessly for far too long, that’s a step in the right direction.