The Phoenix FC Wolves have acquired goalkeeper Eduardo "Lalo" Fernandez on loan from Real Salt Lake for Thursday night's game against Antigua Barracuda FC at Grand Canyon University Soccer Field.
The single-game deal will allow Fernandez to return to Utah for a match with the RSL reserve team on July 16 and a return to Phoenix FC for additional matches if possible. Fernandez is already in Phoenix and working out with the Wolves.
Fernandez, 20, has served as a backup for Real Salt Lake and has played five matches for its reserve team, including a 0-0 draw on June 15 against Phoenix FC in Tempe.
Because he was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Fernandez has represented both countries on the youth level. He played for the Mexican U-17 squad and he has trained with the US U-20 team.
Fernandez is expected to get the starting nod in Thursday night's game, which is being played at Grand Canyon due to a scheduling conflict at Phoenix's regular home field in Tempe. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Phoenix has a 3-10-6 record, while Antigua is 0-17.
Phoenix's starting goalkeeper, Sheldon Parkinson, came down awkwardly on his left knee late in last week's 1-0 victory over Antigua and is expected to miss the next three to four weeks. Humberto Soriano replaced Parkinson for the final 12 minutes last week.
Midfielder Diego Faria scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute of last week's victory, but he's also out this week due to an injured calf.
Starters Travis Bowen (groin) and Peabo Doue (hip flexer) remain on the injured list, and forward Darren Mackie (groin) and defender Isaiah Schafer (hamstring) are listed as probable and will be game-time decisions. Elliot Weber is out with a hernia.
Phoenix has added defender/midfielder Robert Zelin to its roster. Zelin, a native of Texas, most recently played for Real Colorado of the USL PDL league.
Antigua Barracuda, which plays all of its 2013 regular season USL PRO matches on the road, failed to notch a single shot on goal Saturday despite aggressive play. The club has scored just five goals in seventeen games and has given up 61 goals.
Phoenix has seven games left in its inaugural season, five at home.
