Leo Fernandes

Born in Brazil and raised in Long Island, Fernandes re-joins the Union for the 2016 season after spending last year on loan with New York Cosmos. Fernandes won the 2015 NASL Young Player of the Year while with the club.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2016 (Union): Leo Fernandes made his way back into the Philadelphia starting XI in the season opener vs. FC Dallas. He has also played against Columbus Crew SC and appeared in the New England Revolution game. He briefly appeared in four matches ever since. 

2016 (Steel FC): Fernandes has been loaned of the USL affiliates six times this season. He had scored on a penalty and put in a deflected free kick for the Steel FC. His precense in the team has opened up space for the other attackers on team throughout the season.

2015 (N.Y. Cosmos): Spent the season on loan with the Cosmos of the North American Soccer League and was named the NASL Young Player of the Year. He played in 27 games, made 22 starts and scored eight goals to go along with three assists. 

2014 (Union): Appeared in 13 games, starting seven in 697 minutes. Fernandes had two goals and one assist on the season. He notched his first career assist in a 1-0 win over New England on March 15, and scored first career goal in the following game at Columbus on March 22. His other goal came in the Union’s 2-2 draw with Chicago on April 5.

2013 (Union): Played in seven games starting three, logging 281 minutes. Earned the first start of his MLS career on July 3, 2013 against Real Salt Lake, resulting in a 2-2 draw.  

YOUTH EXPERIENCE

2012 (Stony Brook): Led the team in goals (9), assists (7), points (25) and shots (50)...started all 18 matches for the Seawolves...led the America East in game winning goals with 5...finished third in the America East in goals, points and assists...named a member of the Top Drawer National Team of the Week.

2011 (Stony Brook): Appeared in and started all 20 games...led Stony Brook in scoring with nine goals and seven assists for 20 points...named the America East Midfielder of the Year, first-team All-America East and first-team NSCAA All-Northeast Region.

2010 (Stony Brook): Started 17 games...finished second on the team in goals (6) and points (13)...named the America East Midfielder of the Year and first-team All-America East.

2009 (Stony Brook): Outstanding freshman year...America East Rookie of the Year, second team All-Conference and All-Rookie team selection.

High School: A four-year letterwinner at North Babylon High School ... earned first team All-State and All-Region honors...named League III MVP after tallying 14 goals and 20 assist s as a senior...finished high school career with 32 goals and 36 assists... chosen as a U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy U-15/16 Northeast Best XI at midfield...played club soccer for B.W. Gottschee.

PERSONAL

Leonardo Fernandes was born Dec. 23, 1991 in Brazil...son of Carlos, who played professionally in Brazil, and Ana Fernandes...brother of Kaique, Gabriele and Gustavo...majoring in Arts & Sciences.