UCI SOC-M Ibarra Miguel 2010-11 drib - web.jpg

Seven Big West Players Tabbed NSCAA Men's Soccer All-Far West Region

12/9/2011 12:00:00 AM

UCI SOC-M Ibarra Miguel 2010-11 drib - web.jpg

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced the 2011 NCAA Men's Division I All-Far West Region Team Friday, and seven Big West players were honored on the list.

Three first team recipients highlighted the group of Big West honorees. UC Santa Barbara seniors James Kiffe and Luis Silva joined UC Irvine senior Miguel Ibarra on the 11-player list. The trio captured major conference awards in helping their teams to successful seasons.

Kiffe, the 2011 Big West Defensive Player of the Year, also helped fuel one of the nation's premier offenses. He tied for fifth on the team with 10 points and his six assists tied him for seventh in the Big West.

Silva had a monster 2011 campaign that led to his selection as the Big West Midfielder of the Year. One of 15 semifinalists for the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy, the highest individual honor in intercollegiate soccer, Silva delivered one of the most productive offensive seasons in Big West history with 17 goals and 10 assists for 44 points. The point total equalled UCSB's single-season mark and tied him for fifth all-time in conference history. Silva accounted for one-third of UCSB's 50 goals for the season.

Ibarra contributed 26 points on nine goals and eight assists en route to Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Year accolades. He ranked second in the conference in points, tied for second in goals and tied for fourth in assists. Ibarra also co-led the Big West with four game-winning goals. He was a primary factor in UCI claiming the league's regular season and tournament titles.

Two representatives were named second team All-Far West in UC Santa Barbara's Sam Garza and UC Riverside's Cesar Diaz Pizarro. The conference also had a pair of honorees on the third team, including Andrew Fontein of UC Irvine and Patrick Sigler of Cal Poly.

NSCAA ALL-FAR WEST REGION HONOREES

Big West players only

FIRST TEAM