UC Santa Barbara senior Luis Silva was unstoppable on offense and Cal State Northridge junior Michael Abalos kept two opponents off the scoreboard, as the two were selected the Big West Men's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively.

Silva Nets Nine Points In Pair Of Gaucho Wins

Stellar offensive contributions from UC Santa Barbara’s Luis Silva (Los Angeles, Calif./Bishop Mora Salesian HS) netted the senior standout his third Big West Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honor.

Silva produced three goals and three assists in a pair of Gauchos victories, figuring in all but one of his team’s seven goals on the week.  The midfielder also received national honors with his selection as Top Drawer Soccer’s Player of the Week and placing on the College Soccer News Team of the Week.

He opened the week with a goal and an assist in UCSB’s 3-1 victory against UC Davis.  Silva then led the Gauchos to a huge 4-3 road win versus Cal State Fullerton, scoring twice and assisting on the other two goals.  He connected for a goal in the third and 50th minutes, and one of his assists was on Fifi Baiden’s game-winner in the 78th.

Others nominated: Yarden Azulay (Cal State Northridge); Cesar Diaz Pizarro (UC Riverside)

Abalos Records Two Shutouts In Overtime Draws

Michael Abalos (San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Santa Margarita HS) did not allow a goal in a pair of overtime draws as Cal State Northridge stayed in the race for a postseason tournament berth, and the junior captured Big West Men’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

Abalos saved three shots against No. 9 UC Irvine and six more versus Cal Poly as the Matadors picked up two points for the week.  He faced 16 shots from the Anteaters and 14 from the Mustangs in turning away every one that came of frame.  He has now not conceded a goal in the last 266 minutes.

Others nominated: Tim Pontius (UC Santa Barbara)