Valentin Named MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist
11/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 29, 2007
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest men's soccer senior Julian Valentin was named a 2007 MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist by the Missouri Athletic Club and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Considered to be college soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy, the winner is selected by NCAA Division I coaches who are current NSCAA members.
Valentin is a four year Demon Deacon starter under the leadership of Wake Forest head coach Jay Vidovich. The defender has picked up Soccer America First-Team All-America honors, All-ACC honors and been named a finalist in the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award which recognizes athletes for hard work in the classroom as well as on the field.
After sitting out the first games of the season with a preseason injury, Valentin has started in 15 games and netted three goals, including two game-winners for the 2007 season. Most recently, Valentin kept the Deacons alive during post-season play with a goal in the 23rd minute to give Wake Forest a 1-0 edge over No. 20 Furman in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
In 2006, Valentin helped Wake Forest post 13 shutouts, a school season record, from his center back position in the Demon Deacon defense.
Three men's and three women's finalists will be announced on Friday, Dec. 14, in conjunction with the semifinal rounds of the 2007 NCAA Men's College Cup. The winners will be announced at a banquet at the MAC in St. Louis, Mo., on Friday, Jan. 11, where they will be presented the prestigious crystal soccer ball that has come to symbolize the highest level of individual achievement in intercollegiate soccer. An exhibition featuring the current and past winners of the MAC Hermann Trophy is on display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y.
