Chicago Fire Homegrown product Collin Fernandez received accolades for his recent play on Wednesday, landing at the No. 18 spot in the United Soccer League's 20 Under 20 series. According to USL, "the second edition of the USL 20 Under 20 series features the top young players that have competed in the USL this season, highlighting names fans should get familiar with as they move into the spotlight."
Fernandez, 20, has enjoyed a successful loan stint thus far with Fire USL affiliate Tulsa Roughnecks, where he's made 13 starts in 14 appearances in 2017. From his role as a deep-lying midfielder, Fernandez has emerged as one of head coach David Vaudreuil's top disruptors and distributors, helping keep Tulsa above the line in the USL playoff hunt.
Fernandez has indeed been one of Tulsa's most accurate and most high-volume passers, completing 81.9% of his 557 attempts this season. His defensive work rate has been evident as well, as he is currently the team leader in tackles won (22) and duels won (70). Fernandez also scored his first professional goal this season, a 25-yard strike in a 2-1 Tulsa defeat against Swope Park Rangers.
Last weekend, Fernandez flashed a bit of attacking flair with his assist on Tulsa's game-tying tally:
The Roughnecks are back in action on Saturday, July 22, at home against Phoenix Rising FC.
For more information on USL's 20 Under 20 list, click here. Also, be sure to send Collin your congrats on Twitter at @cfer97!
Photo via Lori Scholl / Tulsa Roughnecks FC
