There’s still plenty of soccer left in the women’s college season. And while the Hermann Trophy isn’t being won or lost right now, strong cases can be built early in the season, with the momentum carrying a player all the way to the top honor at the season's end.
Here is the TopDrawerSoccer.com top five Hermann Trophy watch list:
1. MF Crystal Dunn, North Carolina, Senior
(8 games, 6 goals, 1 assist)
Last season’s winner missed a chunk of 2012 with the U20 World Cup squad – as did most players on this list – and when she returned, Dunn bounced around in a number of spots for the Heels. This year, she’s been deployed by head coach Anson Dorrance in an attacking midfield role, and her dynamic runs and goal-scoring ability are producing the offensive numbers that could translate into a second straight award. Watching buzz around the field, she's on another level higher than everyone around her.
She’ll have to hold off a very crowded field, but there’s little questioning that Dunn is the best player in the women’s college field. The Tar Heels lost against Notre Dame on Sunday, though it should be noted Dunn had a legitimate goal that went unspotted by the referee crew. She had little joy on Wednesday night against Florida State, but should be able to get back on track this weekend against Miami (FL).
