FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. hailed his side’s "deadly" attacking prowess after Saturday’s superb win over Orlando City SC.
The Revs claimed a 3-1 triumph at Gillette Stadium, thanks to second-half goals from Emmanuel Boateng, Gustavo Bou and Carles Gil, to equal the club’s best-ever start at home (6-0-3) and continue an impressive record of scoring three or more goals in five of nine home matches in 2023.
The shot-stopper, who played a key role at the other end of the field deputizing for Djordje Petrović, was full of admiration for his offensive counterparts, as well as the team’s character to stave off a potential Orlando fightback when Duncan McGuire reduced the deficit late on.
“It was a good team performance, I’m happy to get the win,” he reflected. “At home, the goal is always to get three points.
“I’m happy to have played my part, and the guys did well to score three goals. It was great to get the third goal specifically – they kept pressing, and they were able to get a goal to make it 2-1, and try to make it interesting …
“We have a front three – or four, five with the guys coming off the bench – that’s pretty deadly in this league, and they showed what they’re capable of.
“We were happy to get a comfortable win after scoring the third.”
It was a special night for Edwards Jr., who produced a solid display to help the team to victory – and in front of his family, who watched on with pride in the stands.
The 31-year-old had started both U.S. Open Cup games this term but had been named on the bench for 16 of 17 regular season matches. Tallying three saves against his former club, he was pleased with his contribution.
“It means the world to me,” he said. “It’s my daughter’s birthday on Sunday; she had her second dance recital this morning, so it was really fun to have my siblings and in-laws in town. To get to see her dance recital, it was an eventful day but a fun one overall.
“I thought I did well. Orlando on the road, it’s their style to sit in, and they like to counter. [It’s about] constantly reminding myself I have to make saves, and being ready to do that.
“We were ready for it, and happy to get the result.”
The goalkeeper also reserved praise for defender Omar González, who was introduced from the bench at halftime following a muscle injury to Brandon Bye, with the defender also playing his part in an excellent second-half showing.
“He’s a great player for us, and a great player to have out there,” Edwards Jr. stated.
“Omar and I play together every week. A lot of the time, we’re not in the starting line-up, but both he and I are very intentional about pushing our first team, playing as if we’re going to play on the weekend.
“To have him join me in the second half was very natural for us. He made some unbelievable plays.”
With Gillette Stadium rapidly earning a reputation as a fortress, Edwards Jr. says the players are relishing the Revs’ three-game homestand, with opposition teams increasingly wary of the hosts’ proud record on Foxborough turf.
“It’s a really difficult place to come,” he added. “I’ve played here with two other clubs. It’s tough for teams.
“We love it. Our fans are passionate, and we know we want to perform for them. We’re happy to get the result.”
The Revolution are back on home soil next weekend, welcoming Toronto FC to Gillette Stadium on Saturday, June 24 in a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets are available now!
