Syracuse men’s soccer: Nate Edwards signs with Toronto FC

The wideman starred for the Orange last season, and has already earned himself a full-time MLS contract with his top showing in MLS Next Pro

As announced via Twitter on Tuesday, Toronto FC have signed former Syracuse Orange defender/midfielder, Nate Edwards to a full contract. Edwards spent one year with the Syracuse Orange and was a top contributor to the side during the 2023 campaign.

Originally hailing from Brampton, Ontario, the site of so many other SU recruits, Edwards played his first three seasons of collegiate soccer at Purdue Fort Wayne, where he was one of the team’s staples, racking up 40 appearances for the Mastodons.

In 2023, Edwards arrived in Syracuse after transferring from Fort Wayne as a bit of an unknown quantity, but that wouldn’t last long.

Edwards started the season well for the Orange, and ended up starting every match during his time representing Cuse as he became a crucial piece of the team thanks to his selfless and hardworking attitude.

Toward the end of last season, McIntyre praised the wing-back, who said he “has been immense with the level of work he puts in. He never gets tired.”

Edwards described himself as “always willing to make the extra run for my teammates. If they lose the ball, I love making recoveries, and I love then turning around and running in behind.”

This tenacity and stamina are some of Edwards’ key attributes, as he was consistently able to help the Orange on both sides of the ball. Come the end of the 2023 campaign, Edwards was fourth on the team in total minutes (1610) and third on the team in assists (4). He also contributed one goal while only picking up one yellow card, a hugely impressive return.

Upon leaving SU around the turn of the year, Edwards signed a contract with Toronto FC II, the affiliate of Toronto FC in the MLS. This was a move that we covered here on Nunes Magician. Since this signing, things have been on the up-and-up for Edwards. He first broke into the team, then became a regular starter and key player, making 23 MLS Next Pro appearances.

Edwards has started eight of the last ten games for TFC2, and over his 23 games with the team, he contributed one goal and two assists.

In May, Edwards made his first appearance on the bench for the Toronto FC first team in the Canadian Championship. In July, Edwards also appeared on the bench for two TFC matches in the MLS, but did not play.

Now, his time as come to formally step up to the Major Leagues. Edwards, still only 21 years old, has plenty of time to develop into a top MLS player, especially considering how quickly he has developed in the last two to three years.

His new contract with Toronto runs through the 2025 season, with potential options to extend through 2027. Toronto still has six regular season matches left to play this season, so he will be hoping to make his first appearance in the coming weeks.

For more updates on Edwards’ story, as well as those of former and current SU soccer players, stay tuned at Nunes Magician.