2025 All-Region Soccer Honors: UC Santa Barbara Stars Shine in Men’s Soccer
United Soccer Coaches recently unveiled the 2025 men’s soccer all-region teams, showcasing standout athletes from various institutions. Notably, UC Santa Barbara’s Calle Mollerberg earned a coveted spot on the All-Far West Region First Team, while freshman Owen Beninga was named to the All-Far West Region Second Team. This recognition marks the second consecutive regional honor for Mollerberg and the first for Beninga, who stands out as one of only six freshmen to receive such accolades nationwide.
Calle Mollerberg: A Pillar of Strength
Calle Mollerberg served as the captain and ironman for the Gauchos in 2025, appearing in every match of the season. His stellar defensive skills played a pivotal role in maintaining the team’s formidable back line, which achieved nine clean sheets throughout the season. Under Mollerberg’s leadership, UC Santa Barbara’s defense ranked 32nd in the country for shutout percentage and 47th for goals-against average on Selection Sunday.
Mollerberg’s performance was instrumental in the Gauchos finishing their Big West play unbeaten, contributing to an impressive 13-game unbeaten streak—the longest under head coach Tim Vom Steeg and the second-longest in the program’s history. His efforts earned him the title of The Big West Defensive Player of the Year, reflecting his importance to the team.
In an exciting moment during the Big West Semifinal against UC Davis, Mollerberg scored his first career goal, igniting a comeback that led the Gauchos to a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Owen Beninga: Rising Star Between the Posts
Freshman goalkeeper Owen Beninga also had a standout season, making waves as one of the best goalkeepers in the nation. After securing the starting position midway through the season, Beninga kicked off his collegiate career with an impressive streak of five consecutive shutouts. This was highlighted during the intense Blue-Green Rivalry, where he showcased his aerial dominance and was subsequently honored as both Big West Defensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week.
As the season progressed, Beninga tallied a total of seven shutouts, boasting an impressive 88.5 save percentage, ranking him second in the country. His record-setting 0.52 goals-against average also positioned him fourth among all NCAA Division I goalkeepers.
Team Achievements and Future Prospects
The formidable partnership of Mollerberg and Beninga helped the Gauchos secure nine shutouts, tying for the seventh-most in a single season in the program’s history. With a final record of 7-5-8 and an unbeaten 4-0-5 mark in Big West play, UC Santa Barbara claimed The Big West Regular Season Championship. Furthermore, they advanced to host The Big West Championship Final for the second consecutive year.
Both Mollerberg and Beninga are now in contention for All-America honors, thanks to their phenomenal performances that have put UC Santa Barbara’s men’s soccer on the national map.
Conclusion
The 2025 soccer season has highlighted the incredible talent at UC Santa Barbara, evidenced by the recognition of Calle Mollerberg and Owen Beninga in the All-Far West Region teams. With their contributions, the Gauchos show promise not only for now but for the future of men’s soccer at the university. Visit the UC Santa Barbara Men’s Soccer page for ongoing updates and insights.
