UCSB soccer captured its first ever Big West Championship on Saturday, taking out fourth-seeded Cal State Fullerton 3-1 in the conference championship game at Harder Stadium.

The Gauchos scored early and often, tallying a pair of first-half goals. The first came in the 19th minute when sophomore midfielder Nic Ryan laid off a ball for junior midfielder Danny Barrera to slip past Titan goalkeeper Trevor Whiddon. Junior midfielder Luis Silva continued his postseason scoring ways in an unassisted 22nd minute goal. Silva also earned Big West Tournament MVP honors after scoring against Cal Poly in UCSB’s first round match.

Saturday’s win brings the Gauchos to 13-4-3 overall on the season and earns them an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, which begins on Nov. 18.

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