Saddleback boys soccer coach Mel Silva celebrates 500th career victory

Saddleback Coach Mel Silva before Friday’s soccer match. (Photo courtesy Saddleback Athletics)

Long-time Saddleback High boys soccer coach Mel Silva celebrated his 500th career coaching victory Wednesday when the Roadrunners defeated Orange 3-1.

Silva has been Saddleback’s coach since 1988. The team has consistently been in the CIF playoffs with CIF titles in 2005 and 2013. The 2005 team went 26-0-2.

“It’s been a long journey and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Silva said in a statement to OC Sports Zone provided by Saddleback.

Athletic Director Rob Thompson added:

“He is an icon here and we appreciate everything he has done for our school and for the hundreds of student athletes he has coached throughout the years. His contributions on the sports fields, in the classrooms and around the campus have been immeasurable.

“Every school should have a coach like Mel Silva in their programs.”