CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Thursday it had signed Cape Verde international Wuilito Fernandes as the club builds toward its first season in the USL. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Fernandes made 25 appearances in the 2017 USL regular season for Orange County SC where he recorded three goals and three assists for the club. In addition to domestic league action the 27-year-old also made three appearances for Cape Verde over the course of the year.

“Fernandes has tremendous versatility,” said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He has played as a center back and center forward in his short professional career. He had a good start to his career in Orange County last season and we feel he’s ready to step in and do great things for us.”

Fernandes arrived in the United States in 2009 having spent time with Bairro FC in his native country. He played his college career at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, where he notched 25 goals and 10 assists in 65 appearances. In 2016 he was also named a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, earned NSCAA First Team All-America honors and was the America East Striker of the Year.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity with NCFC,” said Fernandes. “It excites me to know that I'm part of this family, and I can't wait to meet my new members of this family and accomplish great things together.”