LOS ANGELES – UCSB goalkeeper Sam Hayden has been named the LA Soccer News Men’s College Player of the Year. He also is among the finalists for the Soccer News Network National player of the Year, which will be announced next week.
In his first season with UC Santa Barbara, the junior college transfer recorded a 17-5-2 record between the pipes for the Gauchos.
A transfer from Yavapai College, Hayden posted a school and Big West record 16 shutouts in the goal for UCSB and his goals against average of 0.74 ranks 23rd nationally and third all-time in the Gaucho record books. Hayden’s .825 saves percentage, meanwhile, ranks 28th among Division I players.
Hayden was named the Big West Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and was a First Team All-Big West pick. He was also a Second Team Far West All-Region selection. He set a new UCSB record for consecutive shutout minutes after he totaled 595:16 during the season.
The Gauchos advanced to third round of the NCAA tournament before falling to UCLA.
Previous winners of the LA Soccer News Men’s College Player of the Year were: 2008-Brad Perk, UCLA; 2007-Andy Iro, UCSB.
The award was decided by online fan voting (40%) and votes by the editorial staff (60%).
