Erik Edwardson
Freshman Forward
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Why did you choose to come to the University of Portland?
I chose to come to the University of Portland because I’ve had previous club coaches back in Canada that have played for this university and I just heard nothing but good things about it from them.
Do you have an idea of what you want to do after college?
Well, for me the main goal is to try to become a professional soccer player, but I’m also really interested in looking into the marketing department. And, actually, something I’ve never really talked about, but I’m really interested in marine biology, so I think I might try to explore that at some point as well.
What’s your favorite pre-game song?
Probably “Eye of the Tiger.”
Do have a specific pre-game routine or any pre-game superstitions?
No, I just make sure that, I don’t know why, but I always put my right shoe on first. That’s just something that I do.
Who/what got you started playing soccer?
My dad used to play soccer at a decent high level and he was definitely the one that got me into it. I think from the age of three, I’d always go out with him and kick a ball around in the backyard or go down to a local park. And then I joined a recreational league at age six, and I’ve just loved it ever since.
Did you ever imagine that you would be playing D1 soccer?
No, I never imagined I’d be playing D1 soccer. I didn’t picture myself ever going to the States to play soccer, but once the opportunity came up I just grabbed it with both arms and it was a lucky experience for me.
What’s your most memorable moment playing soccer?
My most memorable moment playing soccer is probably when I played over in Germany last year and my club team there played the… U17 team. And it was a great experience to play at their facility, to see all the professionalism that they had.
What do you struggle with most when you’re playing?
What I struggle with most is probably the defensive side of the game. It’s something that I can definitely work on, but we’re doing a lot of that in training and the defensive side is definitely something that the coaches are wanting us to improve on this year. I think we’re doing really well and we’re working hard at it.
How do you balance your academics with your athletics and social life?
How I balance it all is I make sure I keep myself organized and just have a schedule out on my desk or by my night lamp and I just make sure that I always look at that and make sure nothing is ever overlapping and I always make sure that I have the time just to relax in between all the activities as well.
What are your goals for this season?
My goals for this season are to work hard and establish myself on the team. And just help the team win games and score a couple goals on the side. I actually have a bet with my fellow teammate Eddie Sanchez on who can score the most goals.
Have you spent much time exploring Portland?
Yeah, actually, I have. On the days off in the summer and when we have time off from school we always go downtown and just walk around and see the different things and we’ve already went to a bunch of art museums and shopping centers. It’s so nice. I love downtown Portland.
Where are some of your favorite places to be in downtown Portland?
I really like Pioneer Place. I think it’s just a nice little place to go shopping or just relax and grab a bite to eat. And I really did like the art museum. It was cool to see all the different cultural art that they had.
What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?
I like relaxing with my friends, and just listening to music and having a good time in general.
Do you have any interesting hobbies?
When I was younger, I used to collect insects and bugs. It was just a weird habit of mine. I’ve always been interested in animals and bugs.
And you don’t collect bugs anymore?
No.
Were the bugs alive?
Yeah. I’d just go catch different snails in my front yard. Or me and my dad would go try to catch Garter snakes by parks.
Amanda Stowe is a sports reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached by email at stowea17@up.edu or on Twitter @StoweAmanda.
