Strikers Ink U.S. Youth International Luis Felipe Fernandes

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced Monday the signing of United States youth national team midfielder Luis Felipe Fernandes.

Fernandes, 19, joins the Strikers from Cruzeiro where he developed through the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side’s academy since 2008. 

“Luis is a gifted young player that we have been tracking for a while now,” head coach and general manager Caio Zanardi said. “We are confident that in our system he can develop his potential and blossom into a wonderful player for our team.”

A defensive midfielder by trade, Fernandes has been described as a player with good footwork and an ability to drive forward. Born in Mineola, N.Y., to Brazilian parents, Fernandes chose to play for his nation of birth at the international level. He is also eligible to represent Brazil.

Fernandes was an integral part of Cruzeiro’s youth sides that clinched a number of international titles. At 17, he caught the eyes of U.S. scouts when Cruzeiro’s under-17 team lifted the IMG Cup. Fernandes has been a member of the U.S. U-20 national team under head coach Tab Ramos.