Former UCSB standout Ciaran O’Brien has regained his form after battling injuries for much of his early pro career.
O’Brien, playing for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League, has been named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week after helping his team to a 3-2 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Saturday night and scoring two goals on the Fourth of July against the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Ciaran O'Brien had a big week for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL.
O’Brien scored the Silverbacks’ second goal of the game and played a key role in handing the Strikers their first home loss since the season opener.
The goal, coming on a 25-yard free kick, was the third of the season for the 23-year-old midfielder. O’Brien sent a bending ball over the wall and past goalkeeper Matt Glaeser to give the Silverbacks their first lead of the game.
O’Brien scored a pair of goals and had an assist against Puerto Rico.
O’Brien missed four complete games earlier this season because of a hamstring injury, and his return to full strength has contributed significantly to the Silverbacks’ offensive progress. He is currently the team leader in assists (3) and second on the team in goals (3), behind forward Matt Horth (4).
O’Brien played for the Gauchos in 2007, leading them to the third round of the NCAA College Cup. He was named the Midfielder of the Year in the Big West. He left school after the one season and signed a Generation adidas contract. He was taken in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids.
He played sparingly with the Rapids and was sent on loan to several teams. He became a free agent in 2010.
