The snow was swirling, the temperature was plummeting, and by all accounts, the conditions at ATCO Field for Cavalry FC’s home opener against Atletico Ottawa were miserable.
For a kid from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) who is used to the climate-controlled environments or the sparsely populated secondary stadiums of MLS Next Pro, it was the kind of day that might make a young professional question their career choices.
But for Nathaniel Edwards, it was the moment he realized he had found a home.
In an era of football where young prospects are often coached to treat clubs as stepping stones and badges as temporary decals, Edwards has arrived in Calgary with a refreshingly raw intensity.
Speaking ahead of Cavalry’s clash with Inter Toronto, the Brampton-born winger spoke about a visceral connection to a fan base that has embraced him as one of their own.
“It was amazing,” Edwards said, reflecting on his first taste of the Spruce Meadows atmosphere. “I told one of my teammates that I think it’s one of my best soccer experiences so far.”
For those outside the Canadian Premier League (CPL) bubble, that might sound like an exaggeration. Edwards, who comes from the Toronto FC system, was one of those people until a few months ago.
Loading ...While the sedate nature of developmental leagues often lacks consequence, in the CPL and especially Calgary, where the goal is always to get those three points, the people in the stands make sure that players feel the weight of that.
“Just coming from MLS Next Pro, there’s not a lot of fans at each game and it’s more so about development and showcasing so you can get into the next level,” Edwards explained.
“So to play in front of fans and to play in games that actually matter was honestly amazing. The noise, the amount of people that came, especially because the weather wasn’t the greatest on that day. I didn’t expect many people to come, if I’m being honest, but the turnout was amazing.”
A debt promised to be paid in effort
That connection has manifested in a promise that has already begun to ripple through the Cavalry faithful.
While many players speak in the measured, PR-scrubbed tones of modern media training, Edwards leans into his aggressive, front-foot nature that head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. demands of his squad.
When asked what message he had for the supporters braving the biting Calgary spring for the upcoming match, Edwards offered a vow.
“We’re definitely looking forward to putting on a show in front of you guys again,” Edwards said, penning a metaphorical love letter to the home fans.
“We’re going to do everything we can to get three points and we can assure you that we’re going to work hard and we’re going to die on the field for you guys so I just can’t wait to see you guys tomorrow.”
It is the kind of rhetoric that coaches love and supporters cherish.
In a league defined by its parity, the difference between a draw and a win often comes down to the little things. For example, that 60-yard recovery sprint, the brave block, the willingness to press when the lungs are burning.
For Edwards, that work ethic is the core of his identity.
He describes himself as a player who “brings a lot of positive impact to the team.” Whether it’s his work ethic or the little things that people might not be able to see, he is determined to always make a big difference.
The making of a modern winger
While the passion is evident, the transition to the Cavs has been aided by a coaching staff that has helped Edwards channel that energy into a new role.
Formerly a wingback, he is being refined into a pure attacking threat, which will promise to be a move that requires more than just heart.
“The coaching staff have taught me some new things in the attack,” he noted.
“Previously I was playing as a wing back but now we don’t play wing backs as of right now here so I’m forced to learn new things and they’re really teaching me a lot about the attacking third things that I’ve never known before.”
The intense film sessions led by Wheeldon Jr. have been a revelation for the youngster. For a player who loves to be aggressive, having a staff that can pick apart a game in real-time has allowed Edwards to bridge the gap between raw talent and polished professional.
As Inter Toronto arrive at ATCO Field, they sure will be facing a tactically disciplined Cavalry side. But they will also be facing a player in Nate Edwards, who has found his true purpose.
His willingness to leave every ounce of himself on the grass. Or in this case, the snow.
