CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina senior defender Zach Loyd was named one of 15 semifinalists Wednesday for the 2009 Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy, which is awarded annually to the top player in collegiate soccer. Three finalists for the award will be announced Dec. 11, and the winner will be announced Jan. 8.

A Verdigris, Okla., product, Loyd is the Tar Heels’ senior captain and has tallied two goals and two assists for six points in 15 games. Playing center back for the first time in his career due to injuries on the UNC backline, Loyd has anchored a defense that has posted 11 shutouts and allowed just 11 goals all season.  

With a trip to the NCAA College Cup up for grabs, Loyd’s Tar Heels and Drake will square off Friday at 6 p.m. at Fetzer Field in the quarterfinal round of the 2009 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.

Tickets are on sale now at TarHeelBlue.com. General admission seats are $8 for adults and $5 for students. A live webcast of the game will be available at TarHeelBlue.com though Carolina All-Access.