Feb. 10, 2013

ORLANDO - Former Stony Brook men's soccer standout Leonardo Fernandes (North Babylon, N.Y.) is making an impact for his new professional club, the Philadelphia Union. Selected in the fourth round of the MLS Supplemental Draft, Fernandes scored the game-tying goal in the Union's 1-1 draw against the Orlando City Soccer Club, the club's first preseason match of the year.

Fernandes' goal came in the 74th minute off a pass from Roger Torres to give the Union the equalizer. 

Fernandes was drafted by the Union on Jan. 22 and immediately went to preseason camp in Philadelphia. He excelled enough to earn an invitation to join the team south for preseason training.

Stony Brook men's soccer's most decorated student-athlete, Fernandes wrapped up his Stony Brook career as the program's all-time leader in points with 79. He also is third in goals (31) and third in assists (17), and he ranks first in the program's Div. I history in each category. 

In 2012 alone, Fernandes led Stony Brook with nine goals and seven assists for 25 points. He netted the game-winning goal in five of Stony Brook's 11 victories.

He is a three-time America East Midfielder of the Year and first-team All-America East recipient. In 2012, he was named Stony Brook men's soccer's first-ever All-American, grabbing second-team honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and third-team honors from College Soccer News. He also previously was named first-team NSCAA All-Northeast Region in 2011 and 2012 and third-team NSCAA All-Northeast Region in 2010.

Fernandes and the Union next play on Feb. 13 against the Columbus Crew.