Senior Luis Silva made history on Friday, as he became the first UCSB men’s soccer player to garner NSCAA Men’s Division I All-America First Team honors. The midfielder has also garnered NCAA All-Far West First Team accolades along with senior defender James Kiffe. Junior Sam Garzawas named to the second team.
Friday Community Programs for local soccer players
Prior to Silva’s All-American nod, UCSB boasted nine NSCAA All-Americans, but had yet to have one named to a First Team. His All-Far West honor marked the second of his career; he earned third-team accolades in 2009.
Silva had one of the best seasons by a Gaucho in program history. Currently, he ranks third in the nation in total points, (44), fifth in points per game (2.00), sixth in goals (17), seventh in assists (10), 10th in goals per game (0.77), and 15th in assists per game (0.45). He was named the Big West Midfielder of the Year and garnered his fourth consecutive All-Big West honor, after being named to the first team for the third straight season. Silva was also named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the highest honor in college soccer.
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 has earned his first All-Far West distinction after also being named the Big West Defender of the Year and First Team All-Big West. The senior had an outstanding final campaign with the Gauchos in which he played in 22 games, scored two goals and tallied six assists.
Garza has earned his second career All-Far West honor; he was named to the first team last season. The junior was second on the team with eight goals, including three game-winners, and 20 total points (8 goals, 4 assists). He also garnered All-Big West First Team honors.
