OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Roots SC announced on Monday it had signed defender Michael Edwards ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Edwards joins Roots having made 12 appearances for the Charleston Battery during the past campaign while on loan from the Colorado Rapids. The center back won 27 duels at a 61.4 percent success rate while winning 8 of 8 tackles in league play while also recording 11 recoveries, two interceptions, 41 clearances and three blocked shots.

“Michael Edwards is someone I’ve known and worked with since his youth career, so it’s especially exciting to be reunited here in Oakland,” said Roots Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He’s grown tremendously as both a player and a person, and we’re excited to welcome him into our environment and continue that journey together. He’s an extremely athletic center back who brings toughness, competitiveness, and presence to the way we defend.”

Edwards began his career in the D.C. United youth academy before moving to Germany to join the Wolfsburg Academy in 2018. He went on to play for VfL Wolfsburg II before returning to the United States to compete for the Rapids.

The 25-year-old had previously competed on loan with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, recording two goals and two assists in 34 appearances across the 2021 and 2022 seasons while also making more than 30 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro with Colorado Rapids 2.