Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Year Finalists

Greenville, S.C. – Furman midfielder Diego Hernandez is one of five finalists for Top Drawer Soccer Player of the Year honors, it was announced on Friday.
 
Hernandez, a junior and team captain, has guided Furman to a 15-1-5 record, Southern Conference regular season and tournament titles, and a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals. The Mesquite, Texas, native, who has started all 21 matches for the Paladins, ranks second in the SoCon in goals (10), first in assists (9), and first in total points (29). He was named SoCon Player of the Year and received most outstanding player honors after leading the Paladins to the SoCon Tournament title last month.
 
After Furman earned a No. 16 seed and first round bye in the NCAA Tournament, Hernandez helped the Paladins blank Western Michigan, 1-0, in second round play before advancing past Hofstra on penalty kicks in the Sweet Sixteen following a 3-3 draw at Stone Soccer Stadium. The first team All-SoCon choice and Hermann Trophy Watch List selection, he netted Furman's third goal against the Pride and converted his spot kick in the shootout.
 
The Paladins, ranked No. 1 in the latest Top Drawer Soccer Top 25, travel to face No. 8 seed Portland in quarterfinal round action. Friday's match is set for a 10 p.m. EST kickoff at Merlo Field on the University of Portland campus and will be streamed live on ESPN+. Links for the live stream and live statistics can be found on the men's soccer schedule page at FurmanPaladins.com. 
 
Minuteman Press is the Official Sponsor of Furman Athletics press releases.