M. Soccer goalie on Hermann Trophy list
Who says the Internet doesn't have anything worthwhile these days?
In the midst of a routine look online yesterday, senior Penn soccer captain Matt Haefner discovered that he is one of 15 players on the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy "Watch List."
"You never think that anything like that could ever happen," Haefner said. "To be considered is pretty awesome. I'm sort of shocked, but happy and in awe."
The Hermann Trophy -- which is comparable to college football's Heisman Trophy -- represents the highest level of individual achievement in NCAA soccer and is voted upon by members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Harvard senior midfielder Kevin Ara is also on the "Watch List."
A third-team All-American last year and Penn's first-ever Ivy League Player of the Year, Haefner stymied opponents' offenses, allowing only .45 goals per game on his way to collecting 10 shutouts -- both program records.
This summer, the senior trained with French club team Sohaux and also with Major League Soccer's D.C. United. Haefner hopes that being a Hermann-hopeful is just another step on the way to his dream.
"It's awesome obviously to be considered on that level, or potentially on that level," he said.
"I'm trying to play professional after school. It's really an honor."
Behind Haefner's great play in goal, the Quakers advanced to the second round of the NCAA College Cup for the first time since 1973 and won the Ivy League Crown for the first time since 1980.
With their All-American goalkeeper, the Quakers enter the season ranked No. 3 in the Mid-Atlantic region.
-- Zachary Silver
