The Philadelphia Union announced this afternoon that they have reached an agreement to send midfielder Leo Fernandes on loan to the New York Cosmos. Fernandes will spend the entire 2015 season with the North American Soccer League (NASL) club. The NASL is considered the second division of American soccer.
Fernandes appeared in 20 games for the Union in two seasons after being drafted with the 63rd overall pick in 2013. He scored two goals and added an assist in 10 starts under former manager John Hackworth but seemed to fall out of favor when Jim Curtin replaced Hackworth in June 2014. Fernandes has spent time on loan with the Harrisburg City Islanders, the Union’s affiliate in USL Pro.
The Cosmos have experienced incredible success since their reboot, and have some fantastic talent on their books. While they experienced a bit of a disappointment last term when they ended the season without a trophy, they finished in third place in the league and enjoyed a deep run in the US Open Cup in which they knocked out the New York Red Bulls. Fernandes will be hoping to learn from the likes of Raul and Marcos Senna, and this loan may be just what the doctor ordered for all parties involved.
Fernandes was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil but grew up on Long Island and attended Stony Brook University before being drafted. As a central midfielder who hasn’t quite found his spot, the loan will give the 23-year-old a chance to get quality playing time that probably would not have been the case had he stayed with Philadelphia.