New York Red Bulls sign Wake Forest star

by Travis Clark

January 28, 2019

One of college soccer's premier talents won't be back in 2019.

Wake Forest midfielder/forward Omir Fernandez signed a Homegrown deal with the New York Red Bulls, the club announced on Saturday.

Fernandez leaves the college game after a stellar season last fall. He scored 12 goals and added six assists, earning ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors at Winston Salem.

"We have followed Omir closely and are pleased to add him to the First Team," Red Bulls Head Coach Chris Armas said in a statement. "He is a talented player and also a humble person with high character. He understands our style of play and also attacks with creativity and intelligence."

NEWS: @NewYorkRedBulls sign @RedBullsAcademy Product Omir Fernandez to Homegrown Contract

📰➡️ https://t.co/y3eolHMQ99 #RBNY pic.twitter.com/WVJZs0PK8J
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) January 26, 2019

On the back of his 2018 campaign, Fernandez was called up to the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team for a training camp at the beginning of January. Born in 1999, he's eligible to compete at this year's U20 World Cup in Poland later this year.

As a freshman at Wake Forest, Fernandez scored six goals and chipped in five assists, appearing in 23 games as a reserve during the 2017 season. Prior to arriving at Wake Forest, he played 56 games for the Red Bulls Academy, scoring 42 goals.

"On behalf of everyone at the organization, I'd like to welcome Omir to the First Team," Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett said in a statement. "Omir is a talented young player that has proven he can excel with the academy, in the college game, and with U.S. Youth National Teams. He has earned this opportunity and we look forward to his continued growth as a professional. This is a proud moment for Omir, his family, and Red Bulls Academy."

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast