Northwestern University Athletics
Blades Named to Hermann Trophy Watch List
8/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 11, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern senior defender Mark Blades (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Ignatius) is among the 38 individuals named Tuesday to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Watch List. The Hermann Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's top collegiate soccer player.
Blades became NU's second All-American in school history a year ago when he was named to the NSCAA third team. He was also a first-team All-Great Lakes Region selection and a second-team All-Big Ten pick in 2008.
Previously, Blades was named to College Soccer News' preseason All-America second team. Last season, he helped Northwestern reach the quarterfinal round of the NCAA tournament. He anchored a defense that posted a school-record 13 shutouts and ranked sixth nationally with a 0.55 goals-against average. Blades also contributed three goals on the offensive end.
David Roth was the most recent Wildcat player named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List as he was so honored in 2007. Blades is the lone Big Ten player represented on this year's preseason list.
Considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, the recipients of the MAC's Hermann Trophy are selected by Division I head coaches who are current members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. A list of 15 semifinalists is selected by a coaches committee in November, with three finalists announced in early December. They will invited to the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Mo., for a news conference on Jan. 8, 2010, where the winner will be announced, with a presentation banquet following.
A complete list of the individuals named to the list can be found here.
Additionally, Northwestern has earned a No. 9 national ranking in the NSCAA preseason poll which was also released Tuesday. The Wildcats are the second-highest Big Ten program ranked behind No. 7 Indiana. Defending national champion Maryland earned the top ranking in the poll. NU went 15-5-3 a year ago, advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA tournament and finished the season ranked seventh in the country.
NU opens its 2009 season Aug. 20 with an exhibition contest against UW-Parkside. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lakeside Field.
