Leo Fernandes Named USL MVP

November 10, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tampa Bay Rowdies attacking midfielder Leo Fernandnes was named the 2022 USL Championship Most Valuable Player on Thursday, capping a banner season for the six-year Rowdies veteran that saw him lead the league in combined goals and assists.

Fernandes is the first Rowdies player win win USL MVP since the club joined the league in 2017. Club legend Georgi Hristov was the last Rowdies player to take home MVP Honors as the 2013 NASL MVP.

The longest-tenured Rowdies player, Fernandes became the focal point of Tampa Bay’s attack in 2022. Fernandes’ 19 regular season goals more than tripled his previous career best of six goals during the 2021 season. His nine assists left him just one shy of his single-season best in 2019.

“It means a lot to win this award,” said Fernandes. “It’s really a great achievement for me, but it’s something that wouldn’t be possible without my family, my wife, my teammates, and obviously [Rowdies] Coach Neill [Collins]. It’s really been an unbelievable season, and I owe it all to them for how they’ve helped me get here.”

While leading the entire USL with 28 combined goals and assists, Fernandes also posted personal career highs in matches played (32), matches started (29), and minutes played (2,515). Fernandes also surpassed 150 matches played for the Green & Gold in all competitions, finishing the year with 155 total appearances for the Rowdies. He now ranks third in modern era appearances for the club, behind Sebastian Guenzatti (161) and Hristov (173).

“It’s such an honor to represent the Rowdies and it’s an honor every time I get to put that jersey on,” said Fernandes. “I’m so grateful to have been here as long as I have, and I definitely don’t take it for granted. Each time I step on the field wearing the Rowdies name on my jersey, I play like it’s my last time. It’s a great honor. I’m humbled and grateful to be a part of this club.”

Fernandes received 38 percent of the vote to earn the MVP award, while Memphis 901 FC midfielder Aaron Molloy took second place with 20 percent and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s Hadji Barry was third on nine percent. Eleven players overall received votes in balloting.

The 2022 USL Championship Awards were voted on by team technical staffs and executives and a league-wide media panel that included representation from every USL Championship market. Voting was conducted following the…