NU's Anding Named Hermann Award Semifinalist

BOSTON – Don Anding's offensive explosion during the 2012 Northeastern men's soccer season continues to pay dividends for the senior forward from Amity Harbor, N.Y. Anding is one of 15 semifinalists for the MAC-Hermann Award, which is given to the nation's top male and female soccer players.

The award, which is soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy, merged with the Missouri Athletic Club's (MAC) Player of the Year Award in 2002, and several winners have led their teams to NCAA Division I titles and starred in international competition. 

The MAC has honored some of the biggest names in American soccer history; Tony Meola, John Harkes, Cladio Reyna and Alexi Lalas are a few of the past winners to visit the MAC to claim the prestigious crystal soccer ball trophy.

Anding had a season to remember for Northeastern in 2012, leading the Huskies to their first-ever CAA tournament title and first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 2002. He totaled 35 points (14 goals, six assists), becoming the first Husky since 1994 to notch 30 points in a season (Bjorn Hansen; 32), and was the first NU player since 1999 to have at least 14 goals in a season (Petter Starnas; 16).

“Don has been tremendous all four years for me whether I play him at center forward or at left wing, left fullback,” said head coach Brian Ainscough. “He's just a tremendous athlete first of all. His work rate is second to none.”

Anding led the CAA in points and goals, was tied for first in game-winning goals, and was second in assists in 2012. Entering this week's NCAA quarterfinal matches, he ranks 11th in the nation in both total points (35) and points per game (1.67).

“He was absolutely tremendous and I hope he continues to play in the future,” said Ainscough. “Hopefully some MLS teams show some interest and he carries on in his career.”

The 2012 CAA Player of the Year, CAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player and three-time CAA Player of the Week honoree, Anding recorded his first career hat trick against Holy Cross on Sep. 25, becoming the first Husky since 2001 to do so.

Anding, who was also named to College Soccer News' National Team of the Week twice this season, including National Player of the Week honors on Nov. 11, scored two of six game-winning goals in double overtime, helping NU lead the nation in double overtime victories.

Anding helped Northeastern to its most victories (14), fewest losses (three), fewest goals against (16) and longest unbeaten streak (12) in program history during the 2012 campaign, as well as tying the team record for longest winning streak (six).

Head coaches of NCAA Division I programs with current membership in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) will vote to determine the 2012 MAC Hermann Trophy recipient. Three finalists for the award will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 5. They will be invited to the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis for a news conference on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, where the winner will be announced. A dinner and form presentation of the award will follow the news conference that evening.