KANSAS CITY, MO – Junior goalkeeper Niklas Herceg has been named on the United Soccer Coaches (USC) 2026 Men's Hermann Trophy Goalkeepers to Watch List, as announced by the organization on Friday afternoon.
 
Herceg is the only player from the America East Conference on the eight-player list.
 
The lists are compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2025 who are scheduled to return for the 2026 season.
 
Herceg returns for his junior season with the Catamounts after an incredible sophomore campaign that resulted in the native of Alsdorf, Germany being selected 16th overall to FC Dallas in the first round of the MLS Draft, tying the record for the highest draft pick in program history. Herceg turned in one of the finest seasons by a goalkeeper in program history, posting a 14-1-5 record with a 0.74 goals-against average, 10 shutouts, and 55 saves while leading Vermont to its first-ever unbeaten regular season (14-0-5), a second straight America East Championship, and the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. He earned America East Goalkeeper of the Year, ECAC Defensive Player of the Year, United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America and All-Northeast Region honors, First Team All-Conference recognition, and was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Herceg's 10 shutouts tied for the third-most in a single season in program history, while his 14 victories ranked third all-time, and he allowed just two goals in eight conference matches—the fewest ever by a Vermont team during league play.
 
Herceg and the Catamounts open the 2026 season at home, hosting Geroge Mason on Thursday, August 20 at 6 p.m. from Virtue Field for the team's season opener.
 
For news and updates about the Vermont men's soccer program, follow @UVMmsoccer on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and visit UVMathletics.com.

EastRise Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of Vermont soccer