Chris Edwards

Selected as the first pick in the third round, Oakland University soccer star Chris Edwards (Glasgow, Scotland) was taken as the 15th overall pick in the 2006 Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) draft by the expansion Detroit franchise. This past fall, the senior wrapped up a very successful career at OU, leading the Golden Grizzlies to the Mid-Continent Conference regular-season title.

“We’re excited that the Detroit area has a professional indoor soccer team moving here,” Oakland head coach Gary Parsons said. “We’re also very happy that the team’s management has recognized Chris’ ability, and I think he will make a very good indoor forward.”

For the second year in a row, Edwards was named to the Great Lakes All-Region team. The senior forward also joined teammate Jeff Wiese as the only other Golden Grizzly to earn all-conference honors all four years.

Edwards has been one of OU’s most prolific scorers, tallying 36 goals during his tenure and racking up 78 points. He finished his career listed in the top 20 in the conference in career shots, goals and points. Edwards is a five-time Mid-Con Player of the Week and was selected to the league’s all-tournament team in 2002. He also has been on the Academic All-Conference team and is a Golden Grizzly Excellence in Academics honoree.

A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, by the Detroit franchise to announce its name, coach and the details of its 2006-07 season. The team’s 30-game regular season will run from November to April.

The MISL is in its fifth season as a reformation of the National Professional Soccer League, which included the former Detroit Rockers.

For more information on OU’s soccer team, visit the OU Athletics Web site.