Former Long Island Rough Riders goalkeeper Wessel Speel has earned double honors to celebrate.
Not only did the Duke University keeper secure First-Team All-American honors, but he was also named one of 15 semifinalists for the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Award.
A native of Utrecht, Netherlands, Speel anchored the Blue Devils to an impressive 11-4-4 record, conceding only 18 goals in 19 matches and recording seven shutouts.
Speel, a former standout goalkeeper at Hofstra University, joined Duke as a graduate student for the fall season.
Over his five-year collegiate career, Speel has compiled a remarkable 62-15-17 record, with 33 clean sheets and 272 saves. He started all 94 matches in which he appeared.
The Hermann Trophy winner will be announced at a press conference at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan. 3.
This year’s All-Americans will be recognized for their achievements at the United Soccer Coaches All-America ceremony and reception on Saturday, Jan. 11, in Chicago, Ill., in conjunction with the annual coaches convention.
Speel was a vital part of the Rough Riders’ men’s team that reached the USL League Two championship game in 2022, where Long Island fell to Ventura County Fusion, 2-1.
Written by Michael Lewis