2017: Jon Bakero
Wake Forest had back-to-back winners of the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2016 and 2017 with Harkes and Jon Bakero earning the honor. Bakero scored 16 goals in 23 appearances during his final season in the NCAA and was dominant throughout the 2017 season.
The Chicago Fire drafted Bakero in 2018. He was later traded during the same season to Toronto FC. Most of his time with Toronto was spent with their second team in the USL. During the 2019 season, Bakero joined Phoenix Rising on loan and this would lead to a permanent transfer after the campaign. He’s scored three goals in 27 appearances for Phoneix in all competitions.
2018: Andrew Gutman
Indiana Hoosier Andrew Gutman was named the 2018 MAC Hermann Trophy winner after finishing a distinguished college career. The defender was a key part of Indiana’s squad during his time at the Big Ten school.
Unlike those before him, Gutman did not immediately sign with an MLS club. He joined Celtic in 2019 on a three-year contract and was later loaned out to FC Cincinnati for the later part of the 2019 season. This loan move came after a loan spell with the Charlotte Independence in the USL for the first half of the year.
Gutman will be in Cincinnati for the entire 2020 season as his loan continues. It remains to be seen if he will get his chance with Celtic’s first team and his performance in 2020 will certainly dictate if he remains in MLS or if he will be called back to Scotland.
2019: Robbie Robinson
The latest winner of the MAC Hermann Trophy is Inter Miami’s, Robbie Robinson. After scoring 18 goals in his final season with the Clemson Tigers, Robinson was a clear choice for the first overall pick in the 2020 Draft.
Inter Miami are expected to utilize Robinson in their starting XI this season and he appears to be a key part of the club’s plans for seasons ahead in MLS. He could very well become a lethal attacking player if he can develop at the MLS expansion side.