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Ten MLS loanees to watch in the USL

By Carson A Merk

Sep 30, 2014; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez (1) punches the ball during the second half against the Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2014; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez (1) punches the ball during the second half against the Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2015; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez (1) warms up prior to the match against Sporting KC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2015; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez (1) warms up prior to the match against Sporting KC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Real Monarchs’ Lalo Fernandez (Real Salt Lake)

Playing behind a leaky Monarchs’ defense, Lalo Fernandez gets his money’s worth most starts. He is third in the USL in saves, second in minutes played, and has a respectable 1.40 goals against average. The native of Guadalajara is a tall, athletic keeper, who continues to develop in his first season as a primary starting keeper.

Having a legend like Nick Rimando ahead of him, Fernandez will be able to get match time and proper nurturing in the USL for a good while. You can’t teach his size, and his reflexes and in game IQ will continue to grow, projecting him as a prominent pro keeper.

Orlando City B’s Tyler Turner (Orlando City SC)

Arguably the best defender in the United Soccer League, Turner has come into his own in his third season. That isn’t to say he wasn’t great before. He was a finalist for USL Rookie of the Year in 2014, and has been featured in back to back Chipotle Homegrown matches.

It’s a huge testament to say that a player who is only 20, #4 in the USL’s 20 under 20, is a main leader for his side. That’s exactly what Turner is for OCB, and he has them currently in the playoff picture. He’s not only skilled on the defensive side of the ball, he’s added four goals to the OCB tally this year, and will be projected to the senior squad sometime soon. He also may be joining the USMNT first team in the near future, as he’s suited up for the U-17, U-18, U-20, and U-23 units.

Next: Homegrown Heroes

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