BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — LIU continues to set its student-athletes up for success, as former men's soccer standouts Emil Jaaskelainen and Henry Haferkorn are once again shining on the national stage.
 
Jaaskelainen, the most decorated student-athlete in LIU men's soccer history, has been named a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist. The award recognizes the best NCAA Division I men's soccer player, following his record-breaking season at Akron.
 
Jaaskelainen competed for LIU from 2020-23 and is the Sharks' all-time leader in goals (43) and points (100). The four-year standout also recorded 15 game-winning goals, tallying 275 shots, including 129 on target. Jaaskelainen started 62 of the 63 games he played at LIU and was named the NEC Player of the Year, becoming the first Shark to win the Northeast Conference's most prestigious men's soccer award.
 
He also earned the NEC Rookie of the Year award after his stellar debut season in 2020. Jaaskelainen also led the Sharks to the 2023 NCAA men's soccer tournament against Denver. 

This season at Akron, Jaaskelainen started all 21 games, recording an NCAA-best 23 goals and 54 points. He also led the nation in game-winning goals (6), goals per game (1.10), and points per game (2.57).
 
The 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner will be announced on Jan. 3, 2025.
 
Robin Jaaskelainen, the younger brother of Email, was a member of the 2024 Sharks team that earned its second straight NCAA tournament appearance.
 
Henry Haferkorn, a former teammate of Jaaskelainen who played at LIU from 2020-22, was named the United Soccer Coaches Division II Player of the Year after completing his collegiate career at Lynn University. Haferkorn appeared in 45 games as a Shark, finishing his LIU career with three goals, one assist, and 4,004 minutes logged on the pitch. Haferkorn was the captain of the Sharks during the 2022 season.

"Both Emil and Henry have been vital parts of the LIU men's soccer program and have paved the way for our continued success." said head coach Michael Mordocco. "I am proud of both of them, and their accomplishments and honors are well-deserved."