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Julian Buescher is having a heck of a year for the Syracuse Orange men's soccer program. He's leading the team in assists (11) as well as total points (27). He's been named to the All-ACC first team, the ACC All-Tournament team and is near the top of the squad in many statistical categories. Now he's been named to the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list.
The MAC Hermann Trophy is annually given to the best player in college soccer. The trophy is given out by the Missouri Athletic Club and administered by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. It's the highest honor you can get as a collegiate soccer player, similar to the Heisman Trophy is for college football.
The finalists for the award are chosen from the shortlist via a voting process between the NSCAA coaches. There is also a fan vote over at https://lockerdome.com/machermanntrophy which will be taken into account. Head on over to the voting site and put in your tally for Julian. He's currently at the top of the voting list, but has some very stiff competition on that shortlist.
Alex Bono, the Orange goalkeeper from last year was named a finalist for the award in 2014. He unfortunately didn't win, but was honored nonetheless. He followed the award ceremony up with a call up to the US Men's National Team and a Superdraft spot in the first round, sixth overall with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. While I don't think Buescher will be called into the German squad, some eyes from MLS may be on him at this point.
The award will be given out at a banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club on January 8th. Here's to Julian being named as a finalist.