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UC SANTA BARBARA
2006: One of UCSB's most versatile players, he appeared in 23 of the team's 25 matches as a sophomore, sarting a career-best 22...While primarily playing on the left side of the midfield, he also spent some time in the back and up front for the Gauchos...Scored one goal and recorded two assists for four points on the year...Put in the game-winner at the 43:11 mark against Cal Poly in UCSB's Big West Conference opener (9/5)...Found Tino Nuñez for what became the game-winner in the ninth minute of the Gauchos' 5-0 dismantling of Akron in the regular season-opener (8/25)...Connected with Nick Perera for Santa Barbara's second goal in the 4-0 win over UC Riverside to clinch the Big West title (11/4)...Had a tremendous performance in Santa Barbara's Sweet 16 contest at Old Dominion, starting on the left flank for injured All-Big West defender Jeff Murphy.
2005: Pontius appeared in 20 of the Gauchos' 21 matches, starting a total of five times in his first year at UCSB...Was second among all midfielders with a .500 shot on goal percentage...Took 18 shots on the year, the second-highest total among freshmen...Scored his first career goal on a blast from 12 yards out for Santa Barbara's sixth goal against Northwestern (9/9)...Found the net again in the Gauchos' next game, scoring the game-winner in the 73rd minute on an Andy Iro cross to propel UCSB to a 1-0 win over Portland (9/11)...Headed a ball over the keeper against Cal State Fullerton (10/29) for his third goal of the season...Notched his first career assist when he found Tyler Rosenlund for the game-winner in the Gauchos' 2-0 victory against UC Irvine (11/12) to conclude the regular season...His 20 appearances were the most among non-starters.
CLUB
Pontius played with the Irvine Strikers...He helped lead the Strikers to the tourney championship at the prestigious Nomads College Showcase in 2005.
HIGH SCHOOL
Was a standout player at Servite High School, finishing his career third all-time in school history with 39 goals...Was a three-time All-Serra League honoree, earning first team accolades as a junior and senior...Twice named Division I All-CIF, garnering first team honors in 2005...Was also named both the Friars' and Serra League MVP in 2005, in addition to earning All-Orange County honors...Finished his career with 14 total assists after tallying nine as a senior, on top of the 24 goals he netted.
PERSONAL
Christopher Richard Pontius was born May 12, 1987 in Yorba Linda, Calif....Enters his junior year at UCSB as an XXXXXX major...Would like to become a professional soccer player after earning a degree...Enjoys hanging out with friends when he is not playing soccer...Cannot do without his iPod...Before every match he listens to music...Roots for Manchester United...Is a fan of soccer star Ronaldo and would love the chance to play alongside him...Enjoys watching "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and the movie "Beverly Hills Ninja"...His favorite video game is "FIFA 2005"...Can best be described as very competitive, but also laid back...Has two brothers, David and Timmy, and one sister, Sarah...Son of Richard and Mary Ellen Pontius.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year MP MS G A P Shots GWG 2005 20 5 3 1 7 18 1 2006 23 22 1 2 4 16 1 Totals 43 27 4 3 11 34 2
