BOSTON - Afonso Pinheiro and Chris Wingate, last year's America East Striker and Midfielder of the Year, respectively, have been recognized among the top men's soccer players in the nation ahead of the 2016 season.
The duo was two of 28 players named to the MAC Hermann Trophy preseason watch list. The MAC Hermann Trophy is given to college soccer's top player each year. Pinheiro was also named to College Soccer News' preseason All-America squad as a third-team selection.
Pinheiro, a junior at Albany, earned America East Striker of the Year honors last season after scoring a league''best 11 goals last season, including four multi-goal contests, and totaling 26 points.
Wingate, a senior at New Hampshire, was an NSCAA All-Region first-team choice last year in addition to being named America East Midfielder of the Year.
Pinherio and Wingate will be in action on Friday, Aug. 26 as all eight America East men's soccer teams kick off their 2016 seasons.