Casper Mols and Finn Ballard McBride Named to 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sophomore Casper Mols and Graduate Transfer Finn Ballard McBride have been named to the 2023 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, the Missouri Athletic Club announced on Thursday.
The Hermann Trophy, presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club, is the nation’s highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year as determined by the voting of Division I coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches.
Casper Mols – Goalkeeper
Recently named Sun Belt Conference Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Preseason All-Sun Belt, Mols returns to Lexington for his sophomore season in the net. In addition to his preseason shouts from the Sun Belt, he was also on the 2023 Goalkeepers to Watch list by United Soccer Coaches.
Originally from Aabenraa, Denmark, the keeper was no stranger to the spotlight last season. He was an NCAA DI All-America First Team honoree, NCAA DI Men’s All-Southeast Region First Team recipient, named Sun Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as Sun Belt All-Tournament and All-Conference honoree. Mols was also ranked No. 7 in the final TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Top-100 of the season. Mols’ numerous accolades were backed up by his performances in the goal tallying 1327:27 minutes with 28 saves and an 11-1-4 record.
Finn Ballard McBride – Midfielder
A graduate transfer from UC Santa Barbara, Ballard McBride joins the Wildcats for the 2023 season. The Sydney, Australia native was recently named on the 2023 Midfielders to Watch list by United Soccer Coaches.
While at UC Santa Barbara, Ballard McBride saw action on the pitch in nearly every match of his career. He was a three-time Big West Offensive Player of the Week in 2022 and received All-Far West First Team honors from United Soccer Coaches. He was named 2022 Big West Offensive Player of the Year thanks to his 13 goals scored with five recorded as game winning.
Both Mols and Ballard McBride will take the pitch with the Wildcats Thursday at 7:30 p.m. EST for the season opener against Florida Gulf Coast at the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex.
Big Blue Nation can purchase single match or season tickets by clicking here. Tickets will also be available for purchase upon arrival to The Bell. Gates will open one hour prior to kick off.
Due to excessive heat, fans will be allowed to bring in one additional unopened bottle of water to the stadium.
Live stats will be available for the match against FGCU by clicking here. Fans can also stream the contest live on ESPN+.
About the Missouri Athletic Club
Located in St. Louis, Mo., the Missouri Athletic Club has been presenting college soccer’s player of the year awards since 1986. The MAC was established in 1903 as an athletic, dining and social club. It has a “Platinum Club of America” status, which is awarded to the top private clubs in the country. To learn more about the Missouri Athletic Club, go to mac-stl.org.
For the latest on Kentucky Men’s Soccer, follow @UKMensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the web at UKAthletics.com.
