DAYTON, Ohio - Junior men's soccer player Alex Torda made Dayton history. The talented midfielder was named to the Missouri Athletic Club's 2008 Hermann Trophy Watch List. He is the first-ever Flyer athlete to earn a spot on the prestigious list which is comprised of 48 of the best men's Division I intercollegiate soccer players.

"We are definitely excited for Alex. He is very deserving of this recognition because of the hard work and effort he puts forth every day," said UD head men's soccer coach Dennis Currier. "He had such a great season last year. We told him all his hard work would pay off, he would continue to grow and that he can become one of the most elite players in Division I men's soccer. This honor is a testament to that."

Considered the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, the recipient of the MAC's Hermann Trophy is selected by Division I head 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. The finalists will be invited to the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Mo., for a news conference on Jan. 9, 2009, where the winner will be announced, with a presentation banquet following.

"This is a great honor and I'm really excited to be included on the Hermann Trophy List," said Torda. "You hear about all the players that make that list and I couldn't believe it when coach (Currier) told me the news that I was one of them.

"I'll still take the same game approach and give 110 percent every game," he added. "It also helps to serve as even more motivation."

In addition to being named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List, Torda was named to the 2008 Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference team. Named UD's Most Valuable Player in 2007, Torda scored six goals and had five assists, tallying 17 points as a midfielder during his sophomore season with those efforts earning him First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors.

Torda garnered a First Team selection on the 2007 NSCAA/adidas Division I All-Region, Mid-Atlantic Team and was named First Team All-Ohio by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Coaches.

"Alex has a different level of intensity and is so engaged in the game," said Currier. "He is such a clutch player for our team. He's very composed and has a sense for getting us back in games or clinching the game-winning assists or goals."

The Missouri Athletic Club has been presenting college soccer's players of the year awards since 1986. An exhibition dedicated to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy featuring all former recipients of both the MAC and Hermann trophies, the current winners, a replica of the Irish crystal trophy and the original Hermann Trophy is on display at the National Soccer Museum in Oneonta, N.Y.

The Flyers finished the 2007 season 10-4-5 overall and advanced to the opening round of the 2007 A-10 Men's Soccer Championship.

"I believe this honor is a team award and recognition for the success our program has achieved," said Torda. "Our team has come a long way and I think we're going to turn a few heads this year."

Dayton opens the 2008 regular season by hosting the Dayton Flyer Marriott Invitational August 29 & 31 at Baujan Field. The Flyers host Denver at 8 p.m. ET.