Missouri State soccer lands player on Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List

SPRINGFIELD — No. 7 Missouri State men's soccer is one of five undefeated teams in NCAA Division I. Of course, it's a team sport, but one player has been shining for the Bears.

Diego Real is Missouri State's talisman. The fifth-year forward was named to the Hermann Trophy's Midseason Watch List on Monday, Oct. 5.

The Hermann Trophy is the equivalent to the Heisman Trophy for men's soccer players. Real is one of 30 players named to the watch list.

Real was also named the American Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. He scored both goals in the Bear's 2-0 win over Central Arkansas. The Spaniard also hit the equalizer in Missouri State's 1-1 draw versus Memphis on Sunday, Oct. 3.

See top photos from No. 12 Missouri State's tie against No. 16 Kansas City

Real has scored eight goals and dished out four assists to lead Missouri State's attack. He ranks fourth-best in the nation in total points with 20.

The Hermann Trophy semifinalists will be named Dec. 4, with the three finalists invited to a ceremony at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Jan. 8.

Real would be the fourth player in school history to reach the semifinal level, joining Jesus Barea (2024), Kyle Hiebert (2020-21) and Matthew Bentley (2019). Missouri State has never had a Hermann Trophy finalist.

The Bears are back in action at home against Oral Roberts at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com