Three CAA Men’s Soccer Standouts Named to 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
RICHMOND, Va.-- Elon senior midfielder/forward Martin Kozak, Charleston forward Matt Lenert and Stony Brook forward Finlay Oliver have been named to the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, as announced by United Soccer Coaches in its completed announcement on Monday afternoon.
Kozak played a key role in Elon's historic 2025 season, helping lead the Phoenix to their first CAA Men's Soccer Championship while earning All-CAA Third Team and CAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player recognition. He secured the conference championship's top honor after recording eight of his team-leading 18 points during the title run. Kozak finished the season with five goals and a team-best eight assists, the most by a Phoenix player since 2006, while starting all 19 matches. His selection to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List makes him the first Elon player to earn the recognition since Scott Vatne ahead of the 2024 season.
Lenert emerged as a standout performer for Charleston during the 2025 season, appearing in all 17 matches while earning 16 starts. The Falls Church, Va., native enters his senior campaign following an impressive junior season in which he earned United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic First Team, All-CAA First Team and CSC Academic All-District honors. Lenert also contributed five goals on the year, including a pair of game-winning goals that ranked tied for fifth in the CAA.
Oliver, a catalyst for Stony Brook's resurgence in 2025, put together a breakout junior campaign en route to First Team All-CAA honors. The Seawolves closed the year with a 9-5-5 record, recording six more victories than in 2024 and increasing their conference win total to four after going winless in conference play the previous season. Oliver emerged as the team's leading offensive threat, pacing Stony Brook with eight goals, four assists and 20 points. His eight strikes ranked tied for third-most in the CAA.
The Hermann Trophy Watch List was compiled by the Division I All-America Committee and includes United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from the 2025 season who are scheduled to return for the 2026 campaign. The MAC Hermann Trophy will be awarded at the conclusion of the 2026 college soccer season.
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