Luiz Fernando Maximiano

ACQUIRED: Loaned to MNUFC from Fluminese (Brazil) on 2.22.18

MNUFC reached an agreement with Fluminense FC of Brazil for defensive midfielder Maximiano on February 22, 2018.

“He’ll bring strength, athleticism and obviously talent,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “[Fluminense] is one of the big clubs in all of Brazil. We’ve watched him over the last few months and we think he’ll be a really good addition to us. He brings a different element. He is very, very physically strong and his athleticism can break plays up. His feet are very tidy. So, we’re really pleased to bring him in. We think he’ll be a good addition to the group.”

Maximiano, 23, played 14 matches with Fluminense during the 2016–17 season, in addition to 16 games on loan with STK Samorin in Slovakia, before suffering an ACL tear in his right knee in June 2017. In Slovakia, he was voted the best defensive midfielder in any division of Slovakian soccer by the country's leading sports newspaper. Prior to that, he captained the Fluminense under-20 side that won the Brazilian National Championship in 2015, experience the young Brazilian will look to use to benefit Heath's side. 

2018: Made first start for MNUFC on May 9 at LAFC...Ejected from June 3 vs SKC due after receiving two yellow cards...Missed June 23 vs COL due to suspension...Missed September 29 vs NYC due to suspension