In 2010, 20-year-old Wuilito Fernandes was a trialist with the New York Red Bulls. He didn't get a contract out of that effort, and ultimately turned attention to college. In 2017, he became the first-ever UMass Lowell product to be drafted to MLS. The never-say-never forward was selected with the 62nd overall pick by FC Dallas in the third round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
For old times' sake, perhaps, RBNY passed on him again. The Red Bulls spent their third and last selection of this year's Draft on Jordan Scarlett. After the Iona College defender went at #61, FCD stepped in at #62 to scoop up Fernandes.
Quite how a rookie who will turn 27 in March fits into the youth-obsessed FCD's plans is an open question. But he is a man who has kept the dream of pro soccer well beyond the age at which most would have given it up: one imagines he has a plan for his career if Dallas doesn't offer him a contract.
Congrats, Wuilito. Best of luck in preseason.
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