Geo Alves
Cleaned draft for final submission. Removed AfC tags.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Leandro Geovanny Mendes Alves | ||
| Date of birth | August 24, 1995 | ||
| Place of birth | São Filipe, Fogo, Cape Verde | ||
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | ||
| Playing position | Forward | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Utica City FC | ||
| Number | 7 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| – | Escola de Iniciação Desportiva “Sem Fronteiras” | ||
| – | Laranjinha ("Lem") | ||
| – | Académica do Fogo | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2014–2016 | Dean College | (25) | |
| 2016–2018 | Vermont Catamounts | 50 | (17) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2020 | New York Cosmos | 5 | (1) |
| 2021– | Brockton FC United | ||
| 2022– | Utica City FC | 23 | (8) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
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Leandro Geovanny Mendes Alves (born August 24, 1995), known as Geo Alves, is a Cape Verdean–American footballer who plays as a forward for Utica City FC in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Drafted 62nd overall by D.C. United in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, he has pursued a professional career spanning college, NISA, UPSL, and indoor soccer.
Early life and youth career
Born in São Filipe, Fogo Island, Cape Verde, Alves grew up in the neighborhood of Santa Filomena. Early training was at Escola de Iniciação Desportiva "Sem Fronteiras", He then joined youth club Laranjinha ("Lem"), where he won three consecutive U‑17 regional championships and twice earned Best Player and Top Scorer honors, including at the Cape Verde National U‑17 Championship final.
He later played for Académica do Fogo in the 2012 national championship before emigrating mid-season to the United States.
High school career
At Shea High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Alves had a standout senior year (2014–15), scoring 29 goals with 16 assists, guiding the team to a 16–2 record and a berth in the Division I state championship game. He maintained a 3.32 GPA, was named First Team All‑State by The Providence Journal, and was honored as the 2014–15 Gatorade Rhode Island Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
Youth & Revolution Academy
Alves represented the New England Revolution U‑18 Academy in 2013, notably assisting and scoring a late winner in a 4–3 win over Oakwood SC. In summer 2016, while attending Dean College, he joined the New England Revolution U‑23 roster, training alongside academy and college players as part of the club’s developmental pathway.
College career
Alves began at Dean College (2014–2016), competing in USCAA competition. As a sophomore he recorded 25 goals and 14 assists, earning USCAA All‑American First Team honors.
He transferred to the NCAA Division I University of Vermont in 2016, where over three seasons with the Vermont Catamounts he made 50 appearances, scoring 17 goals and adding 4 assists. In 2018, he ranked 13th nationally in goals and earned academic and athletic honors including America East Striker of the Year, All-Conference First Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-East Region recognition.
MLS recognition
Although Alves did not sign an MLS contract, he is officially listed on MLSsoccer.com as a draft-eligible player under the profile Geo Alves. He appears in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft list as Leandro "Geo" Alves (Vermont). D.C. United selected him 62nd overall in the third round; Vermont records cited him as scoring 19 goals and providing 9 assists in 37 games.
Professional career
New York Cosmos (NISA)
In July 2020, Alves signed with the New York Cosmos to compete in NISA. He appeared in five matches, scored one goal, and logged approximately 122 minutes in the Fall 2020 season.
Brockton FC United
Since 2021, Alves has played for Brockton FC United (UPSL), representing Brockton’s Cape Verdean-American community. In the 2022 U.S. Open Cup qualifiers, he scored in the 74th minute and assisted another in Brockton’s 5–0 win over Philadelphia Lone Star, securing the club’s first-ever entry into the tournament proper. He also made 18 appearances during the 2025 UPSL New England Premier Division season.
Utica City FC
Alves joined Utica City FC in 2022. In the 2023–24 MASL indoor season, he logged 23 appearances, scored 8 goals, and led the team with 12 assists. He began the season wearing jersey number 80 and later switched to number 7.
Playing style
A skilled and creative forward, Alves is known for his low center of gravity, technical dribbling, agility, and vision. He is typically employed as a winger or second striker and excels in tight spaces with precise passing and finishing.
Media coverage
Alves has been the focus of varied media coverage:
- His signing with New York Cosmos was highlighted in official club announcements and a feature on his Cape Verdean background.
- Utica City FC match recaps featured his goals and assists, including a backheel finish and crucial setup plays.
- U.S. Open Cup spotlighted his performance in Brockton’s U.S. Open Cup qualifying win as a key moment in the team’s history.
Honors
Youth
- 3× Fogo U‑17 Regional Champion (Laranjinha)
- U‑17 Best Player & Top Scorer – Regional & CVNC Final (×2)
High School
- Gatorade Player of the Year – Rhode Island (2014–15)
- 29 goals, 16 assists; 3.32 GPA; First Team All-State
College – University of Vermont
- America East Striker of the Year – 2018
- America East All-Conference First Team – 2017, 2018
- United Soccer Coaches All-East Region – 2017 (Second Team), 2018 (First Team)
- America East Fans’ Choice Player of the Year – 2017
- America East Academic Honor Roll – 2017
- America East Player of the Week – 2× (2017)
Professional
- Selected in MLS SuperDraft – Round 3, No. 62 (D.C. United, 2019)
- Scored in pro debut – New York Cosmos (Fall 2020)
- U.S. Open Cup qualifier standout – Brockton FC (2022)
- Team assist leader – Utica City FC (MASL 2023–24 season)
External links
- Utica City FC profile
- Vermont profile
- Transfermarkt profile
- TopDrawerSoccer profile
- NISA profile
- TheCup.us – U.S. Open Cup feature
- YouTube – MASL highlights
- Instagram – @djoblas_8
References
Early life and youth career
Alves was born in São Filipe, Fogo, Cape Verde, and grew up in the neighborhood of Santa Filomena. He is the son of Djalice Mendes and Ildo Alves. From his mother's side, his siblings are Alessandro Fontes, Euridice Fontes, and Mauro Mendes. From his father’s side, his siblings include Delpio Alves, Rodri Alves, and two others.
At age five, Alves began playing football at the Escola de Iniciação Desportiva "Sem Fronteiras", an academy in São Filipe. He later joined Larajinha, a youth club known for developing local talent. With Larajinha, Alves won three consecutive U-17 regional championships and earned Best Player and Top Scorer honors in both the regional and national U-17 competitions, including the U-17 Cape Verde National Championship final.
He later played for Académica do Fogo in the senior division during the 2012 Cape Verdean Football Championship. Wearing the number 10 jersey, he started in key matches including one against Sporting Clube da Praia at Estádio 5 de Julho. Alves migrated to the United States mid-season after a petition from his father. Many believed Académica had serious title potential had he stayed the full campaign.
College career
In the United States, Alves joined the New England Revolution Academy in 2014 and went on to play NCAA Division I soccer for the University of Vermont Catamounts. While at UVM, he was recognized for:
- America East Striker of the Year (2018)
- Two-time America East First Team All-Conference
- United Soccer Coaches All-East Region selection
- Ranked Top 35 in NCAA Division I for goals (2018)
In January 2019, Alves was drafted by D.C. United in the third round (No. 62 overall) of the MLS SuperDraft.
Professional career
New York Cosmos
Alves began his professional career with the New York Cosmos in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), scoring in his debut during the 2020–2021 season.
Brockton FC United
In 2021, Alves played for Brockton FC United in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) and the U.S. Open Cup qualifiers, contributing goals and assists throughout the campaign.
Utica City FC
Since 2022, Alves has played for Utica City FC in the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League). He led the team in assists during the 2024–25 season with 14 total and contributed in key matches against clubs like Milwaukee Wave and Harrisburg Heat.
Notable appearances
In 2016, while with the Revolution U23 team, Alves trained with the Argentina national football team during their visit to Gillette Stadium ahead of Copa América. He shared the field with world-class players including Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María.
Playing style
Alves is a versatile attacker known for his agility, technical control, and creativity. Primarily used as a winger or second striker, he also plays centrally as an attacking midfielder.
Notable teammates
At the youth level and early career, Alves played alongside:
- Platiny Alves (Plats)– later signed with Gil Vicente (Portugal)
- Antonio Correia (Cape Verde footballer) (Tó)– forward for Sporting Clube da Praia
- Fábio Henrique Andrade Pina – Cape Verdean–Portuguese professional
During his college career at the University of Vermont, Alves played alongside Dani Rovira, a Colombian-American midfielder who later signed professionally with the USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The two were teammates during the 2017 NCAA season.
At Utica City FC, his teammates have included:
Honors
- U-17 Best Player – Fogo Regional Championship (×2)
- U-17 Top Scorer – Regional and National CVNC Final
- America East Striker of the Year – 2018
- MLS SuperDraft Selection – 2019 (D.C. United)
- MASL Assist Leader – 2024–25 season (14 assists)
Personal life
Alves holds dual citizenship (Cape Verde and the United States). He speaks English, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole. He currently lives in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he remains closely connected to the Cape Verdean-American community.
References
- ↑ https://uvmathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/geo-alves/6055
- ↑ https://www.transfermarkt.us/geo-alves/profil/spieler/836456
- ↑ https://www.uticacityfc.com/news/utica-city-signs-six-ahead-of-season-opener
- ↑ https://www.uticacityfc.com/news/utica-remains-perfect-on-the-season-against-harris
- ↑ https://www.uticacityfc.com/news/riggies-fall-in-heartbreaking-fashion-to-the-wave
External links
This article "Geo Alves" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Geo Alves. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
