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Bjornsson, Speel Named MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalists
12/11/2024 1:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The United Soccer Coaches and the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) announced the 15 men's semifinalists for the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy, based on voting by Division I Men's soccer coaches. A pair of Blue Devils in Ulfur Bjornsson and Wessel Speel were tabbed to the list on Wednesday.
The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer and has been awarded annually since 1967. Three schools – Duke, Marshall, and Ohio State had two players make the elite list.
Six Blue Devils in program history have won the MAC Hermann Trophy, including Joseph Ulrich (1982), Michael Jeffries (1983), Tom Kain (1985), John Kerr (1986), Ali Curtis (1999), and Andrew Wenger (2011).
Bjornsson, a sophomore forward for the Blue Devils, was a force at the top during the 2024 campaign. Starting 18 of the 19 matches he appeared in, Bjornsson registered 13 goals and three assists, tallying 29 points to lead all Duke scorers. In his first two contests of the season, Bjornsson tallied four goals and one assist, including his second career hat trick, helping Duke down UC San Diego on Aug. 25, 3-2. The Iceland native was honored as an All-ACC First Team selection and has now totaled 23 goals, seven assists, and 53 total points in his two seasons in Durham.
Speel, a graduate transfer from Hofstra, earned the title of ACC Goalkeeper of the Year following his impressive lone season at Duke. Speel started all 19 contests in goal for the Blue Devils, allowing 18 goals and registering 45 saves. He posted an 11-4-4 record, helping guide Duke to seven clean sheets on the year and four in ACC play. Speel was also tabbed as a First Team All-ACC selection. In his career, Speel has posted a 62-15-17 overall record, recorded 33 clean sheets, and tallied 272 saves. The Utrecht, Netherlands, native has started all 94 matches he has appeared in, totaling 8500:55 of game action.
Three men's finalists will be named for the award on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after voting by NCAA Division I coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches. The 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner will then be announced at a press conference at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan 3, 2025, followed by a dinner to celebrate all of the 2024 finalists.
Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite player. Go to machermanntrophy.com for the men's semifinal ballot.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils men's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeMSOC".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
The MAC Hermann Trophy is the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer and has been awarded annually since 1967. Three schools – Duke, Marshall, and Ohio State had two players make the elite list.
Six Blue Devils in program history have won the MAC Hermann Trophy, including Joseph Ulrich (1982), Michael Jeffries (1983), Tom Kain (1985), John Kerr (1986), Ali Curtis (1999), and Andrew Wenger (2011).
Bjornsson, a sophomore forward for the Blue Devils, was a force at the top during the 2024 campaign. Starting 18 of the 19 matches he appeared in, Bjornsson registered 13 goals and three assists, tallying 29 points to lead all Duke scorers. In his first two contests of the season, Bjornsson tallied four goals and one assist, including his second career hat trick, helping Duke down UC San Diego on Aug. 25, 3-2. The Iceland native was honored as an All-ACC First Team selection and has now totaled 23 goals, seven assists, and 53 total points in his two seasons in Durham.
Speel, a graduate transfer from Hofstra, earned the title of ACC Goalkeeper of the Year following his impressive lone season at Duke. Speel started all 19 contests in goal for the Blue Devils, allowing 18 goals and registering 45 saves. He posted an 11-4-4 record, helping guide Duke to seven clean sheets on the year and four in ACC play. Speel was also tabbed as a First Team All-ACC selection. In his career, Speel has posted a 62-15-17 overall record, recorded 33 clean sheets, and tallied 272 saves. The Utrecht, Netherlands, native has started all 94 matches he has appeared in, totaling 8500:55 of game action.
Three men's finalists will be named for the award on Wednesday, Dec. 18 after voting by NCAA Division I coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches. The 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner will then be announced at a press conference at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan 3, 2025, followed by a dinner to celebrate all of the 2024 finalists.
Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite player. Go to machermanntrophy.com for the men's semifinal ballot.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils men's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeMSOC".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
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