KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Maryland sophomore midfielder Ben Bender was named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the United Soccer Coaches and the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) announced Tuesday, based on voting by NCAA Division I men's soccer coaches. The MAC Hermann Trophy, presented by World Wide Technology, is the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer and has been awarded annually since 1967.

The 2021 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, Bender was a dominant force this season leading the Terps in goals (7) and assists (5). He was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection and he was picked as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week twice this season. The Baltimore, Md., native scored in five consecutive matches, the longest streak by a Maryland player since MAC Hermann Trophy award winner Jason Garey in 2005. 

He also contributed to Maryland's defensive efforts as the Terps gave up just 14 goals in 18 matches. Bender burst onto the scene as a freshman in the 2020 season, earning All-Big Ten Second Team and Freshman Team honors.  

Maryland's last MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalists were Alex Crognale and Gordon Wild in 2016. Wild was also named one of three finalists for the award in that season. Maryland has two winners of the award: Patrick Mullins (2012, 2013) and Jason Garey (2005). 

Three men's finalists will be named for the award on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy banquet will be held at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan. 7, 2022 to formally announce this year's winners.