Kyle Edwards Earns USL Championship TOTW Honors
The forward had two goals in Hartford's 4-3 loss to the Charleston Battery over the weekend.
Following a brace against Charleston Battery in Hartford Athletic’s 4-3 loss on Saturday, forward Kyle Edwards has been included in this week’s USL Championship Team of The Week.
The forward was a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing night for Hartford, who conceded a pair of goals in the final three minutes to let a 3-2 lead slip. He was active on the attack in all three of Hartford’s goals on the night.
“It speaks for itself, it’s a very big team effort from the guys,” Edwards said. “If it wasn't for them, I wouldn’t be in this position right now, so I'm grateful for them.”
First, Edwards got on the end of Antoine Hoppenot’s cross with his back to goal, doing just enough to redirect the ball to the feet of Andre Lewis, who slammed home the opener in the 31st minute. Despite playing a major role in the buildup of the goal, Edwards was not credited with the assist.
He did eventually find the back of the net with just three minutes to go in the first half. It happened when Edgardo Rito got on the end of another Hoppenot cross, knocking the ball down onto the goal line against the crossbar from close range before Edwards headed home the rebound from point-blank range to give Hartford the go-ahead goal going into the half.
Finally, Edwards would cap off his night with a goal from the spot, his third such goal in as many penalties taken. He confidently buried the spot kick to the bottom right, sending the keeper the wrong way to give Hartford a 3-1 lead just minutes after going down a man, his team-leading sixth goal of the season. The 26-year-old eventually departed the game in the 74th minute to a standing ovation from the Hartford fans behind the bench.
“[It felt] awesome, it’s a great feeling,” Edwards said. “It’s always a great feeling scoring and having your teammates score as well.”
Edwards will be back in action this weekend as Hartford looks to right the ship after two straight losses at home, welcoming Indy Eleven on Saturday for their second meeting in three weeks after a 1-1 draw on June 10. Kickoff from Trinity Health Stadium is set for 7 p.m. on WCTS MyTV9 and ESPN+.