August 30, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tampa Bay Rowdies attacking midfielder Leo Fernandes has been named to USL Championship Team of the Week for his outstanding performance in the club’s 3-1 win over Orange County SC on Saturday night. It is the third Team of the Week selection this season for Fernandes, who was also voted the USL Championship’s July Player of the Month.
Fernandes had a hand in all three of Tampa Bay’s goals versus Orange County. He kicked off the scoring himself in the 15th minute by finishing off a give-and-go sequence with Conner Antley by slotting a left-footed strike past keeper Patrick Rakovsky. Just before halftime, Fernandes created the chance that led to an own goal for the visitors, threading a perfect ball into the box for Sebastian Guenzatti to collect and fire past the keeper before defender Ian Hoffman cleared it into his own net.
With the Rowdies down a man for most of the second half following midfielder Yann Ekra’s red card, Fernandes set up an insurance goal in the 89th minute to seal the result. Receiving a through ball from Junior Etou, Fernandes drove into the box and fed Dayonn Harris for a one-timed finish.
Now in his sixth season with the club, Fernandes leads the club in both goals and assists this year. His 13-goal tally is a career best for the veteran, who notched his sixth assist of the season on Saturday.
Fernandes and the Rowdies are back at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday, September 3 to battle Las Vegas Lights FC. The Rowdies are on the verge of clinching their fourth straight postseason berth, and could do so this weekend against Las Vegas. A Rowdies win coupled with a FC Tulsa loss would lock up a playoff spot. Fans can be purchased here or by calling the Rowdies sales office at 727-222-2000.
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