Edite Fernandes

The Santa Clarita Blue Heat women’s soccer team is pleased to announce the return of Portuguese national team captain Edite Fernandes, in addition to signing Ana Borges and Laura Luis, also of the Portuguese National squad, for the 2012 season.

Fernandes finished fourth in the W-League in goals scored, points and assists in 2011 with the Blue Heat and was named an MVP finalist and a member of the All-League Team.  Upon her return to Portugal, Fernandes continued playing with her National Team in addition to competing with Spain’s Prainsa Zaragoza (1st Division), Superliga Feminina in Europe.   Fernandes is excited to return to Santa Clarita for her second summer of competition.

Borges, 22, will travel with Fernandes to Santa Clarita; joining her teammate from both the Portuguese National Team and Prainsa Zaragoza.  Borges has made 24 appearances with her National Team, most recently scoring three goals for Portugal in the 2012 Algarve Cup last week.

Laura Luis played club soccer for SC Maritimo and Desportivo Madeira (Portugal) and with the Portugese National Team in the UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship.  A Sports Science major, Luis is currently a sophomore at the University of Texas at Brownsville and was named to the 2011 NAIA Women’s Soccer All-America Team.  Most recently, Luis was called up to her National team, also competing at the 2012 Algarve Cup.

“The return of Edite to the Blue Heat is a key component for continuity this season,” Head Coach Charles Martinez said.  “I look forward to her leadership and the talent that she, Ana and Laura will bring to our team.”

Santa Clarita continues to prepare for the upcoming season, with its home and season opener at Valencia High School scheduled for Sunday, May 20 against the Pali Blues.