It was the first season since 1989 that a team from a mid-major conference won the NCAA Championship, a feat that would not be accomplished until the University of Akron did so in 2010.

Before the start of preseason, UCSB defender and two-time All-American, Andy Iro was named to the Hermann Trophy watch list.

The recruiting class featured future MLS all-stars including Eric Avila and Chris Pontius.

[3] Ahead of the 2006 regular season, the Gauchos played Westmont College for the 42nd Annual Bryant and Sons Cup, a pre-season friendly that pits the two Santa Barbara universities against each other in a soccer match.

[8] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.