Lalo Fernandez made his professional debut earlier tonight, playing 90 minutes for Phoenix FC against Antigua Barracuda in a 1-0 win for the Wolves, making him the second graduate of Grande Sports Academy to play professionally.
Phoenix FC were largely dominant through the match, but Fernandez was forced into displaying some of his skills at times. One particular moment saw Fernandez push outside of his box to clear an onrushing attacker's opportunity in a particularly Rimando-esque moment that kept the occasion level.
Carlos Salcedo, RSL-AZ academy graduate, is the first to have played professionally, having made his debut earlier this year.
Fernandez played alongside Donny Toia, Real Salt Lake's first homegrown player. Toia came through RSL's pre-Grande academy setup in Arizona.
Fernandez returns to Real Salt Lake after the match, but may be called up to RSL's affiliate club in the future in a bid to gain playing experience. Considering Fernandez is either third or fourth in the depth chart,