Luis Silva is reaping the benefits from one of UCSB's finest individual seasons ever. (Vince Agapito photo)
Senior Luis Silva can add two more accolades to his growing list of year-end accomplishments: Soccer America MVPs First Team and ESPN Los Angeles All-Area Team honors. He is joined by teammate James Kiffe on the latter team.
College Soccer News and the NSCAA have already named Silva a 2011 First Team All-American. He garnered All-Far West Region First Team accolades, All-Big West First team honors and was named the Big West Midfielder of the Year. Silva was also named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the highest honor in college soccer.
Silva had one of the best seasons by a Gaucho in program history. He finished the season ranked third in the nation in total points, (44), fifth in points per game (2.00), sixth in goals (17), eighth in assists (10), ninth in goals per game (0.77), and 15th in assists per game (0.45).
The Los Angeles native made his dent in the UCSB record book this season and ranks in the top-10 in nearly every category. He is tied for first in points in a season (44) and career matches played (88), third in career minutes (7,146), fourth in career points (79), tied for fourth in goals in a season (17), fifth in career shots (198), sixth in career assists (23), and tied sixth in career goals (28) and shots in a season (79).
Kiffe, who was already decorated with Big West Defender of the Year, All-Big West First Team and All-Far West Region First Team honors, garners recognition from ESPN LA for his dominating presence on the left flank this year. The senior also posted two goals and six assists for the Gauchos.
Both players have been invited to attend the 2012 Major League Soccer Player Combine, which will be held Jan. 6-10 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Silva has already signed a guaranteed contract with the MLS.
