IRVINE, Calif. (April 7, 2017) – Orange County Soccer Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cape Verde International Wuilito Fernandes. Fernandes joins the club following his time at UMass Lowell where he was voted 2016 American East Conference Striker of the Year and was subsequently picked up by FC Dallas in this year’s SuperDraft.
Fernandes, 27 was born in Praia, Cape Verde however he pursued a soccer career in the United States initially with the New York Red Bulls where he was invited for a trial in 2010. He was then picked up by UMass Lowell where he went on to win numerous honors. As a freshman he made 12 starts and was named to the American East All-Rookie Team. In 2014 & 2015 he was named in the America East All-Conference First Team and in 2016 was listed in the NSCAA First Team All-America along with America East Conference Striker of the Year. During his time with the River Hawks he scored a total of 25 goals and assisted 10.
In 2017 he became the first UMass Lowell product to be drafted at the MLS SuperDraft, where he was recruited by FC Dallas. Following his time with Dallas he was called up for International duty with Cape Verde, making his debut for his national side against Luxembourg.
At 6ft tall and 180lbs the powerful forward will bring a physical presence to Orange County’s front line and is eligible to make his debut this Saturday against Portland Timbers 2.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB:
The Orange County Soccer Club is Orange County’s Professional Soccer Team. The club was one of 12 founding members of the new United Soccer League (USL) in its inaugural 2011 season. Established in 2013, the predecessor club Orange County Blues were the 2015 Western Conference Regular Season Champions and have reached the Western Conference semifinals of the USL Playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The club’s brand-new owner, James Keston, is the Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, and will actively oversee all operations of the USL club in Orange County. Keston is dedicated to transforming the club into a world-class professional soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players and youth clubs of Orange County.
For more information about Orange County Soccer Club and to become an Orange County Founding Member, visit: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/orangecountysoccer.
Contact:
Kelly Salmieri: VP, Marketing & Community Relations, kelly@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/orangecountysoccer, 805.844.0856