November 1, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
The USL Championship announced the 2022 USL Championship All-League Teams on Tuesday, with Tampa Bay Rowdies players Leo Fernandes and Aaron Guillen both earning First Team honors for their outstanding performances in the regular season. Tampa Bay is one of three teams this year to have two players selected to the All-League First Team.
This is the first time for both Fernandes and Guilllen earning the league honor. Guillen was previously voted to the USL All-League Second Team in 2021.
Fernandes led the entire USL Championship with 28 combined goals and assists (19 goals, 9 assists), placing him firmly in the discussion for the league’s Most Valuable Player award to be announced at a later date. 2022 was a career season for Fernandes, who surpassed 150 matches played for the Green & Gold.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see Leo Fernandes get the recognition he deserves,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “Of course, the goals and assists are probably what’s earned him this, but I think everyone at the club will attest he’s been a true team player. He’s been playing in a different role this year, but I know he’ll play wherever the team needs him. He’s been a real leader in the locker room. Everyone respects him. It’s always nice to see individuals get recognition, but we all know it’s the team success we’re all driving towards.”
No one has played more minutes for the Rowdies since the start of 2022 than Guillen, who only missed 25 minutes of the year’s regular season while anchoring the back line. This season, Guillen posted a duel success rate of 66.4 percent, an aerial duels success rate of 68.7 percent, and ranked second in the league with 1,819 passes completed.
“Aaron’s been a really consistent performer for the three years he’s been at the club,” said Collins. “There’s no surprise he’s All-League First Team. Again, I think Aaron respects the fact that his success as a defender is down to the collective of the team. Everyone will be excited to see these two get their just rewards, but we know we’re all focused on the real reward of a championship.”
This Saturday, the Rowdies will play in their third straight Eastern Conference Final against Louisville City FC. The Rowdies have won the first two Conference Final showdowns between the two clubs, including last year’s incredible comeback 3-2 victory. This year’s Conference Final is set to be played at…
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