An interview with Maurice Edu

Rangers and USA midfielder

Soccer Innovation met with US internationalist Maurice Edu for his insight into US college life, his rapid rise from college soccer and the opportunities that the US collegiate system can provide.

Q. When did you first become aware of soccer scholarships at college?
A. I grew up in America so I knew about soccer scholarships from a young age. You see a lot of different athletes going to school on different sports scholarships and soccer was no different.

Q. Why did you choose to pursue a college education/soccer scholarship?
A. I come from a family where the importance of education was instilled in me at a young age. I value my education and love soccer and saw that as a great way to continue my education while also furthering my soccer career.

Q. How were you recruited by your university coach?
A. My recruitment came by scouting. Different schools would come and watch me when I was playing with my club team and youth ODP teams.

Q. What were the benefits, for you personally, of becoming a student-athlete?
A. I think I greatly benefited from being a student-athlete. I was lucky enough to go to the University of Maryland where there was a strong soccer program and passionate coach in Sasho Cirovski. He did everything in his power to make sure we were well looked after. From the facilities to the pitch to the changing room and our living situations, we were always in good hands. So not only did I feel like I grew as a player, but I also grew as a person and being away from home I became more independent as well. Also, playing for a top university gets you seen by professional scouts which opens more doors.

Q. What did you choose to study, and why?
A. I always knew I wanted to play professional soccer but I had an interest in business as well so I studied that. Also, I felt being more educated in that field would serve me well as an athlete.

Q. Can you give us a brief summary of the path from college soccer to 2007 MLS Super-draft and then onto Glasgow Rangers FC in Scotland?
A. My path to where I am now actually happened pretty quick. I was at Maryland for two and a half years (3 seasons) from 2004-2006. In my first season we lost in the semi-final of the 2004 NCAA National Championship. My second season, we won the 2005 NCAA National Championship and in the third season, unfortunately, we lost in the third round although I was named a first-team All-American for 2006. After that I decided to turn professional and turned down some European interest but made myself eligible for the 2007 MLS Superdraft as a Generation Adidas player. In the draft, I was chosen No.1 overall by Toronto FC. During my first season with Toronto FC a lot happened - I won MLS Rookie of the Year, earned my first cap with the US National team and was called up to the Olympic Games squad as well. In 2008 I played part of the season with Toronto FC before heading to the Olympics in Beijing. Immediately after the Olympics, a fee was agreed between Glasgow Rangers and the MLS for me. After gaining a work permit a week later, I joined Glasgow Rangers in Scotland, where, I feel, I continue to improve.

Q. Would you recommend the US collegiate system, and why?
A. I would definitely recommend the US collegiate system. I think it is a good way to earn a degree while still having the opportunity to make a career out of soccer. After four years of working hard, you reap the benefits in the form of a degree. Some earn the degree and also have the opportunity to continue their soccer career. For those who don't, they have their degree which they can use to enter the working world. I think it’s a WIN-WIN situation and I’m definitely glad I took that path.

Q. I have read that you forfeited your final year of eligibility to enter the 2007 MLS Super-draft. Is this correct, and did you graduate or is this on hold?
A. I did forfeit my final year of eligibility to enter the draft in 2007 and therefore didn't graduate. I was a good student and was on course to graduate in three and a half years (a semester early), and although I haven't yet, I still plan to complete that remaining year necessary to earn my degree because I know the importance it holds.