After winning the National Championship in 2006, six UCSB men’s soccer players from that team went on to play professionally in Major League Soccer.
Chris Pontius, a junior in 2006, was drafted in 2008 as the 7th overall pick by D.C. United. He earned an MLS goal of the week in May 2009. He is currently a candidate for Rookie of the Year in MLS with 4 goals and 3 assists in his debut season.
Eric Avila was chosen 19th overall in the same year by FC Dallas. He has made 14 appearances and has two assists this season.
Bryan Bryne and Kyle Reyninsh were both drafted in 2007. Byrne went 38th overall to New England Revolution where he played for a year before leaving MLS to sign with the Ventura County Fusion. He currently runs a website which reviews soccer cleats. Reyninsh was drafted by Real Salt Lake as the 43rd overall pick and is currently a backup to starter Nick Rimando and U.S. Olympic Team member Chris Seitz in his third season in Utah.
Tino Nunez was drafted in 2008 as the 17th overall pick by Real Salt Lake and is in his second year playing professionally.
Andy Iro, UCSB’s three-time Big West Defender of the Year, is in his third season in Columbus, Ohio with the Crew. He has played in nine games this season.
