ELON, N.C. – Elon men’s soccer senior forward Chris Thomas was selected as one of the semifinalists for the 2012 Missouri Athletic Club’s Herman Trophy, the most prestigious individual award in intercollegiate soccer, as announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) on Wednesday. Thomas is one of 15 semifinalists listed and the only player from the Southern Conference represented.
Thomas recorded the most prolific scoring season in Elon soccer history, leading the nation in total goals (23) and total points (51). Those marks shattered the previous single-season highs for the program, as Thomas became the Phoenix’s all-time goal and point scorer. He had nine game-winning goals on the year, including three against ranked competition, and was 7-of-8 in penalty kicks. He also had seven multi-goal games.
The Hermann Trophy recognition is another honor in a season-long list of individual and team accolades for the Snellville, Ga., native. The striker was named the SoCon’s Player of the Year for the second time in his career and was a first-team all-league selection. He was also named the SoCon Player of the Month for September and October and the conference’s player of the week three times.
Thomas also received national recognition and was named the College Soccer News National Player of the Week, Disney Soccer/NSCAA Player of the Week and was placed on the CSN National Team of the Week.
Thomas’ efforts helped the Phoenix capture both the SoCon regular-season and tournament title in the same year for the first time in program history. Elon returned to the NCAA Tournament after winning its second consecutive SoCon Tournament championship with Thomas named to the all-tournament team.
The top three vote-getters will be announced Thursday, Dec. 6. The winner will be announced during the MAC Hermann Trophy banquet in St. Louis on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. This year, fans can also participate in picking the winner through LockerDome and at the link http://machermanntrophy.lockerdome.com/articles/102816194.