ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. –– Former Stony Brook men's soccer star Leo Fernandes was named the 2022 USL Championship Most Valuable Player on Thursday. Fernandes capped off his sixth season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies with the award, after leading the entire league in combined goals and assists.

"This is a fantastic honor and well deserving for Leo. It is amazing to see that even after 10 years as a professional player he continues to get better and better. Leo is a proud Seawolf and always represents the University and program with distinction. I am looking forward to watching him for many more seasons," said Stony Brook head coach Ryan Anatol. 

As the longest-tenured Rowdies player, Fernandes became the center of Tampa Bay's attack this season. He scored 19 goals in the regular season, which more than tripled his previous career-high of six. He also dished out nine assists, to lead the league with 28 combined goals and assists.

Fernandes also posted personal career-highs in matches played (32), matches started (29), and minutes played (2,515). He now ranks third in the modern era in appearances for the Rowdies with 155 total appearances.

The attacking midfielder –– who shined at Stony Brook from 2009-12 –– became the first Rowdies player to ever win the USL MVP since the club joined the league in 2017.

Fernandes received 38 percent of the vote to earn the MVP award. The award was voted on by team technical staffs and executives and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL Championship market.

At Stony Brook, Fernandes was a three-time America East Midfielder of the Year (2010-12) and three-time All-America East First Team selection. He was on the America East All-Rookie Team and All-America East Second Team as a freshman in 2009. In 2011, he was named the America East Championship Most Outstanding Player.

As a senior, Fernandes led Stony Brook in goals (9), assists (7), points (25), and shots (50). As a junior, he led the Seawolves in goals (9) and assists (7). He finished second on the team in goals as a freshman and sophomore.

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