CLEMSON, S.C. — Senior defender Oskar Ågren has been named a Mac Hermann Trophy semifinalist, the United Soccer Coaches committee announced Tuesday. The native of Sweden adds to his many recognitions this season, already having been named an All ACC First-Team performer as well as receiving ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The MAC Hermann Trophy, presented by World Wide Technology, is the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer and has been awarded annually since 1967. Most recently, Gloire Amanda (Oregon State) and Jaelin Howell (Florida State) received the award for outstanding intercollegiate performances last year.
Ågren has been the centerpiece of Clemson’s backline all season, and has been instrumental in the team’s allowing just 0.839 goals per game, 18th-best in Division I. He has also served as the captain in James Brighton’s absence.
The center back’s impact is not limited to the defensive side of the ball, as Ågren has scored five goals for the Tigers this year and added two assists. Two of his goals were game-winning penalty kicks. He also contributed a successful penalty in the shootout victory over No. 1 Oregon State in the Elite Eight.
The list of semifinalists includes fifteen players, and joining Ågren on the list from the ACC are Pitt’s defender Jasper Löeffelsend and Duke’s forward Thor Ulfarsson.
Ågren and the Tigers will be back in action this weekend in Clemson’s ninth all-time College Cup appearance. The No. 8 Clemson Tigers will take on No. 4 Notre Dame in the national semifinal match on Friday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in Cary, N.C. The match will be broadcasted on ESPNU.
