ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Elon senior goalkeeper Clint Irwin is among the 39 men’s soccer players who have been named to the 2010 Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy watch list. Considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, the recipients of the MAC’s Hermann Trophy are selected by Division I soccer coaches who are current members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). A list of 15 semifinalists is selected by a coaches committee in November, with three finalists announced in early December. Irwin is the lone Southern Conference player on the list.

“This is great recognition for Clint and for our program,” commented Elon head coach Darren Powell. “To be considered one of the best players in the country prior to the season is an honor, but knowing Clint’s attitude, he will continue to try and be the best he can in every game which is what put him in this position. We hope Clint will lead this team to another successful season.”

Irwin has been rewriting the Elon record books since he donned the maroon and gold. The native of Charlotte, N.C. already owns a spot on every one of Elon’s career record lists. After earning a 2-0 shutout against College of Charleston in the semifinals of the 2009 Southern Conference Tournament, Irwin moved into a tie for first place with 19 career shutouts. His 10 clean slate performances last season were also the most-ever in a single season at Elon. Allowing only 18 goals, Irwin boasted a 0.88 goals against average (GAA) last season, a mark that topped the league and ranked 44th in the country. The goalie was named first-team All-SoCon and first-team NSCAA All-South Region while leading the Phoenix to an appearance in the conference championship game.

Irwin has been an all-conference selection in each of his three years at Elon and helped the Phoenix to the regular-season Southern Conference title in 2008. Along with fellow co-captains Brad Franks and James Carroll, Irwin and the 2010 squad will begin their quest for another conference crown on Wednesday, September 1 when they travel to High Point for a 7 p.m. match.