David Edgar

PROFILE 
After 10 years playing professionally in England, David Edgar joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in July 2016. An experienced centre back, Edgar has played for teams such as Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Burnley FC and Swansea City AFC. The Canadian international has also made more than 35 appearances for the men’s national team. 

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
2017: Edgar sat out the 2017 season while recovering from a meniscus tear suffered in his right knee in the previous December. 2016: Edgar scored a goal in his Whitecaps FC debut in the international friendly versus Crystal Palace FC on July 19. Five days later, he made his only appearance in the USL, playing the full 90 minutes for Whitecaps FC 2 against Sacramento Republic FC. His first competitive appearance for the first team came against Central FC on August 2, his only CONCACAF Champions League appearance of the year. Edgar went on to make eight regular season appearances, all starts, in his first MLS season.

ENGLAND
2015-16: While on a season-long loan to Sheffield United from Birmingham City FC, Edgar played 38 matches for the South Yorkshire side. He scored two goals for the Blades during their 2015-16 League One campaign: one against Bradford City and a last-minute match winner against Colchester United. 2015: On January 21, the defender joined Huddersfield Town on loan from Birmingham City for the remainder of the 2015 season. He made 12 appearances for the Terriers, starting in nine matches. 2014-16: Edgar signed a two-year contract with Championship club Birmingham City FC in June 2014. He scored one goal in his 16 appearances for the side. 2010: On loan from Burnley, Edgar made five starts and registered one goal for Welsh side Swansea City AFC. 2009-14: Following eight years with the Magpies, the 6-foot-4 Kitchener native joined Burnley FC in July 2009. Over the next five season with the Clarets, the centre back scored four goals in 114 appearances. 2005-09: Edgar started his professional career playing for Newcastle United for three seasons after moving up from their Academy. He made 23 appearances for the Magpies, scoring his first goal against Manchester United in his first home start on New Year’s Day 2007. 

INTERNATIONAL 
Edgar has appeared in more than 35 senior international matches for Canada, scoring four goals and recording three assists. He most recently scored a goal for Canada in their 3-1 win over El Salvador at BC Place in World Cup Qualifying action in September 2016. Edgar made his men’s team debut on February 9, 2011, in an international friendly against Greece. Since then, the centre back has represented Canada in two FIFA World Cup qualifying runs and two CONCACAF Gold Cups. At the youth level, Edgar made his debut for Canada in 2002 at 15 years old. He has featured for Canada in both the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands and the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, and was named the Canadian U-20 Men’s Player of the Year in 2006. 

YOUTH 
At age 14, Edgar moved into his grandmother’s home in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, so he could train with Newcastle United Academy. He spent four years with the academy, and was a regular on Newcastle’s reserve team until his first-team debut in 2006.

PERSONAL 
Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Edgar played ice hockey as well as soccer, and was a long and middle distance runner. His father, Eddie Edgar, is a former professional soccer player, having played for Newcastle United and Hartlepool United. Both of his parents were born in Newcastle, England.

INTERESTING FACTS
In 2007, Edgar was a player ambassador for the Canadian team as they worked towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted in Canada.