Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: 04/18/1986
Height: 6' 0" Weight: 170 lbs
Pro Team: Toronto FC
College Experience: University of Maryland
Caps: 33
Goals: 1
The Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year in 2007, Edu is a versatile midfielder who rose from playing college soccer with the Maryland Terps to his first start with the men’s National Team in less than a year. Although rugged defense is considered the strongest part of his game, he has the ability to steal forward and snatch vital goals.
Edu became national champion with the Maryland Terps in 2005, but left college a year early to be part of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Picked up by expansion franchise Toronto FC, he established himself as one of the few consistent starters in the team’s losing season as they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference.
He was rewarded at the end of that season with his first senior cap, starting the exhibition game in Switzerland on October 17. Not only did the US win 1-0, but Edu received rave reviews for a solid debut in difficult wet conditions on a poor playing surface. He was just as solid in a win by the same scoreline in South Africa the following month.
Edu left MLS during the August '08 transfer window, signing with Rangers in the Scottish Premier League and joining fellow US National Team player DaMarcus Beasley at the club.
National Team Experience
2012: Started against Italy on Feb 29th.
2011: Started against Argentina on March 26th.
2010: Came on in the second-half for the US against Holland on March 3rd. Scored against Turkey in the Sendoff Series and was named to the World Cup squad. Played in three of the USA's games in South Africa. Started both of the October friendlies.
2009: Late substitute in the 2-2 draw with El Salvador on March 28th.
2008: Called in to January training camp, then won third cap in 2-0 win over Sweden. Late sub in 2-2 with Mexico.
2007: Went the full 90 in National Team debut against Switzerland in Basel, then did the same in 1-0 win in South Africa the following month.
Professional Experience
2009-10: Returned from injury to lead Rangers over Celtic in the Old Firm derby. Part of SPL title winning squad as a regular.
2008: Left Toronto for Rangers, making his debut on September 13th against Kilmarnock.
2007: Named MLS Rookie of the Year. Regular starter with Toronto FC, making 25 starts, scoring four goals, and registering one assist.
College: Three years with University of Maryland, winning NCAA national championship in 2005. He started 55 games in his three years, and was a Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2006, as well as a first team NSCAA All-American.
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