The four top teams in Division I men’s soccer are in action this Friday and Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium, and with that come some of the best players. Here’s a few of the top players to keep an eye on this weekend in Houston.
Reagan Dunk, Denver (Sr., Defender): A semifinalist for the 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy for the top men’s college soccer player, Dunk is one of five defenders nationally to make the cut and the lone repeat semifinalist from 2015. Dunk has tallied five assists from his right back position in 2016 and anchored the Pioneers’ back line on their way to 14 shutouts on the year, allowing just 11 goals in 23 games.
Ian Harkes, Wake Forest (Sr., Midfielder): Harkes is also a Hermann Trophy semifinalist, and has four goals and four assists on the year in 2016, including an assist in Wake Forest’s Elite Eight win over Virginia Tech. The son of former USMNT forward John Harkes, Ian spent time in D.C. United’s academy system and was named this year’s ACC Midfielder of the Year.
Jacori Hayes, Wake Forest (Sr., Midfielder): Hayes joins midfielder partner Harkes on the Hermann Trophy semifinalist list. Hayes leads the Demon Deacons with eight goals on the year, and has added three assists. Along with Harkes, Hayes was named to the All-ACC First Team in 2015 and 2016.
Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Stanford (Jr., Defender): Hilliard-Arce is the final Hermann Trophy semifinalist playing in College Cup this weekend, and one of six non-seniors on the 15-man list. The 2016 Pac-12 Defender of the Year, the 6’1” center back led a defense that allowed just 14 goals on the year while scoring four of his own on the offensive end.
Cam Lindley, North Carolina (Fr., Midfielder): Lindley was named ACC Freshman of the Year and was the only frosh to be named to the All-ACC First Team. Lindley has seven assists for a team that averaged an ACC best 1.94 goals per game.
