Four MLS academy products shortlisted for NCAA soccer's top award

Four MLS academy products were named among the men's finalists for the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy on Tuesday, as United Soccer Coaches (formerly the NSCAA) announced this NCAA season’s 15 semifinalists for college soccer’s highest individual honor.

The Chicago Fire academy duo of Grant Lillard (Indiana, pictured above) and Cam Lindley (North Carolina) are on the semifinalists list, as is Orlando City SC product Santiago Patino (FIU) and Portland Timbers alum Foster Langsdorf (Stanford).

Lillard, Lindley, and Langsdorf are also still in contention for a national championship, with their respective teams having advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.

Based on voting by NCAA Division I soccer coaches, the Hermann Trophy has been awarded annually since 1967. The reigning holder on the men’s side is D.C. UnitedHomegrown midfielder Ian Harkes for his performances with Wake Forest in 2016. Many other past winners have also moved on to MLS careers, most recently including Jordan Morris, Patrick Mullins, Andrew Wenger, and Darlington Nagbe.

Three men’s finalists and three women’s finalists will be named on Dec. 8 in conjunction with the Men’s College Cup semifinals at Talen Energy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Union. The 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy winner will be announced on Jan. 5 in a banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

2017 Men’s MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalists