Fernandes leads Stony Brook to NCAA berth

The Stony Brook men's soccer team is going dancing, thanks to the feet of Leo Fernandes.

Fernandes' record-breaking game helped Stony Brook earn its second America East title and NCAA Tournament berth in three years as the Seawolves defeated Hartford, 4-2, Sunday night at LaValle Stadium.

The junior midfielder set a single-game conference championship record with five points -- two goals and an assist -- and tied a tournament record with eight points.

"I felt like it was my responsibility to lead the team," said Fernandes, who was named Most Outstanding Player. "It's such a great feeling right now."

Stony Brook attacked the Hartford defense early and often. The Seawolves had three shots on goal during the first six minutes and outshot the Hawks 9-5.

Will Casey scored first for the Seawolves, from 3 yards out in the fourth minute with an assist from Fernandes. Hartford responded in the 17th minute when David Bernhardsson scored unassisted on a free kick from 30 yards.

Fernandes, SBU's leading goal-scorer, scored in the 41st minute with help from substitute Raphael Abreu. Abreu played the ball into the box and passed across the middle to Fernandes, who kicked it in between two Hawks defenders.

Fernandes' second goal came in the 51st minute, when Hartford keeper Luke Citirini was down following a collision in the box. Berian Gobeil Cruz retrieved the loose ball and fed it to Fernandes, who drove it in from the far side.

"It was actually my fault," Fernandes said. "I made the foul, but I also happened to score."

Kyle Schlesinger scored for Stony Brook in the 71st minute, and Hartford's Anthony Santaga scored in the 83rd minute to make the final score 4-2.

Stony Brook will find out its first-round opponent in the NCAA Tournament Monday at 4:30 p.m. "We're going to regroup tomorrow," Seawolves first-year coach Ryan Anatol said. "But tonight we're going to enjoy this win."