LOS ANGELES, Calif. – UMass Lowell senior forward Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) became the first player in program history to be drafted, when he was selected by FC Dallas in the third round with the 62th overall pick at the MLS SuperDraft.

"It is an honor being drafted by FC Dallas, a great organization with a history of success," said Fernandes. "I am looking forward to begin this opportunity and be with the team and make an impact. I want to thank the team for believing in me and giving me this chance to compete at the highest level of soccer in the country."
 
The senior spent last week at the MLS Player Combine in Los Angeles after being one of the initial 53 NCAA invitees in December.

"Anytime you have a member of your program drafted, it's an outstanding accomplishment by that individual," commented Head Coach Christian Figueroa. The hard work Wuilito has put in over the last four years, and the dedication he has shown, makes me incredibly proud to have coached a player like him. He has been a terrific ambassador for our program during his time here and we will certainly miss his leadership, but I am grateful knowing that he has left this program in a better place. This community is extremely proud of Wuilito and will always be here to support him."

Fernandes completed his collegiate tenure as a MAC Hermann semifinalist and a NCSAA First-Team All American after setting career highs with 11 goals, five assists and 27 points and helping UMass Lowell capturing the school's first America East Regular Season Championship. The River Hawks finished the year 13-1-2, and were ranked No. 19 and No. 4 in the final regular season NSCAA Top 25 and RPI rankings, respectively.

"I'd like to thank my family, friends, coaches, athletic trainers, teammates and the UMass Lowell community," continued Fernandes. "This has all been possible because of you, I truly mean that, and I would not be here without you all."

As the team's leading scorer, Fernandes led the conference with 1.69 points per game. He finishes his career eighth in total scoring (60 points) and eighth in career goals (25). The forward also tied the third-best scoring mark in a single season with 11 tallies. He earned America East Striker of the Year, America East All-Conference First Team and NSCAA All-East Region First Team accolades, as well.