UCSB soccer star Danny Barrera and former Gaucho standout Ivan Becerra played key roles in helping the Ventura County Fusion win its first Southwest Division title of the Premier Development League.
Barrera had a goal and an assist and Becerra scored a goal in a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Legends last week to clinch the first division title in Ventura’s four-year history.
The Ventura team won the PDL North American title last year with the help of several Gauchos like Barrera, Becerra, and Alfonso Motagalvan.
The Fusion lost in the first-round of the PDL playoffs on Saturday in Bremerton, Wash., falling to the Kitsap Pumas, 5-3, in a penalty-kick shootout after the teams played to 1-1 tie.
Barrera, who will run the attack for UCSB, scored the tying goal in regulation for Ventura County. He was later was ejected in the second overtime period after picking up his second yellow card.
Barrera and the Gauchos will soon report to camp to begin preparations for the 2010 season.
The Gauchos’ first game is the Aug. 21 exhibition against crosstown rival Westmont. It will be played on the new Bermuda grass field at Harder Stadium.
