Conference

Loretto, PA -- Senior defender James Price (Christchurch, New Zealand/Otago Boys) of the Saint Francis University men's soccer team earned a spot on the Missouri Athletic Club's (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch Lists for 2012, it was recently announced.

"I am extremely happy that James has been named to the Hermann Trophy watch list,” head coach Michael Casper said. “This is a tremendous honor for him and is well deserved. I am glad he is getting the attention he deserves as one of the top central defenders in the country. This is also a banner day for us as a program as one of our student-athletes has been nominated for the award that recognizes the top player in the country."

Price is one of just four players from around the Northeast Conference who were selected to the prestigious list. A season ago, the Christchurch, New Zealand native was at the forefront of a Red Flash defense that allowed just 12 goals all season and posted 11 shutouts, including a string of six in a row to close out the season.

Price also helped lead Saint Francis to a team goals against average of 0.65 and a shutout percentage of 0.61, which ranks them nationally in 10th and fourth, respectively. In addition to his stellar defensive play, Price chipped in a game-winning score against Sacred Heart late in the second half of action.

For his play in 2011, the 6-5 back earned All-NEC second team and NSCAA all-region first team honors.

The MAC Hermann Trophy watch list is comprised of 42 men and 38 women who have been identified as players to follow this season. Presented annually in January during a banquet in St. Louis, Miss., the MAC Hermann Trophy is the highest individual award in intercollegiate soccer.

Each list will be narrowed down by NSCAA members from Division I programs to 15 semifinalists by Nov. 29. Member coaches and fans will then vote for their top three choices and the finalists will be announced Dec. 6. The winners will be announced at the awards' banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club on Friday, Jan. 11.

Saint Francis kicks off its 2012 season at home Saturday Aug. 25 when Loyola (Md.) visits Loretto for a 2 p.m. contest.