Interview with Canadian & Drake Defender Julien Edwards

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Drake defender Julien Edwards prepared for the MLS Combine by participating in the Pro Pace Soccer Combine in Omaha, Nebraska on January 4, 2010. Edwards' Pro Pace Soccer Combine coach, Jefferson Roblee, interviewed Edwards for MLSDraft.net.


Can you tell us about your youth soccer development in
Ottawa, Ontario?

Youth soccer development was very slow in Ottawa, compared to our neighbor cities such as Toronto and Montreal. It is not until my teenage years, that John Pugh CEO of the Ottawa fury decided to step up and create an elite soccer program, bringing the best players around the city, to be able to compete not only with teams in our provinces but also American teams in the Super Y League. I was fortunate enough to be part of one of the first teams and have seen the program grown immensely over the years.

 
How would you best describe yourself as a player?
I think I am a very hard working, very passionate about the game, As a kid, I always dreamt of being a hockey player in the NHL. It wasn't till later that I found out I had the potential to make it to the next level for soccer. This is what I think fuels my hunger and makes me very coachable because I have so much to learn about the game.

Why did you choose to play college soccer at Drake?
From all the schools that were interested in me, I felt that Drake was the best fit for me. After my official visit, I just had a gut feeling that this was the right decision. From the coaching staff, to the players, the size of the city but most importantly the school itself.


Drake was one of the best stories of the NCAA Tournament. Wins over Western Illinois, Ohio State and Boston College before falling in the Elite Eight at North Carolina. Tell us about that tournament ride.
I think expectations were higher this year because of making the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history last year. As a team, it wouldn't be good enough to just make the tournament but rather win games while keeping our eyes on the prize. As my last year, I think it's something that all senior dream about; winning our conference tournament, traveling across the country to play big name schools and coming out with big results but most importantly prove to others that last year wasn't a Cinderella story. It has been an amazing feeling to see and be part of this program turn around.

You've received a lot of attention lately with Drake's NCAA tournament run, the MLS Combine invite and also a call up to the Canada U23s. How have you been dealing with all the recent accolades?
To be honest, if you would of asked me four years ago, where i would be? or what I'd be doing after my senior year? I would of never in a millions years imagined being in the spot I am in now. I think the best way I've learnt to deal with it all, would be not to expect or get my hopes up. All I can do is play hard and give 100% and the rest is out of my control. In the end, soccer is a team sport, and I wouldn't be given these opportunities if it wasn't for my coaches but especially my teammates who have made me a better player/person on and off the field.

In preparation for the

MLS combine, you just participated in another invitation only event, the Pro Pace Soccer Combine. What can you tell us about that event?
I think the Pro Pace Soccer Combine was a great way to prepare myself for the MLS Combine. Because of the weather, it is hard after season to be able to play and keep up with the speed of play and to be game ready. This gave me an opportunity to play against good players, to play on a full 11v11 field and get touches on the ball. This event was well organized and gave players a chance to showcase their talents in front of MLS coaches. I think the best part of the experience was to play along side, your so called enemies, meaning players you have played against during your collegiate career. Coming together and remembering plays, goals, tackles that we had once shared on the field many years ago.

Are there any particular

MLS players that you are looking forward to competing with or against?
There are not any particular MLS players that I am looking forward to competing with or against simply because all they are the top players in the nation. That itself is exciting, a great experience but most of all motivates me to play at the best of my abilities.
 
Note: Julien Edwards played as a central defender and right defender for the undefeated Team Blue at the Pro Pace Soccer Combine. 
 
*** Special Thanks to Pro Pace for the information on their combine, game reports will be reported later on.