Girls’ soccer: This year, City title is up for grabs

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The playoff picture is beginning to take shape in the City Section, and for the first time in years there is no clear-cut favorite. El Camino Real, winner of the last seven section titles, is no longer unbeatable and the door is open for a number of other teams.

Could this be the year a school outside the San Fernando Valley finally wins the title? Maybe. Heading the list of contenders is perennial bridesmaid San Pedro, which has outscored its first six Marine League opponents, 38-0. The Pirates, seven-time finalists, have lost only three games — all to Southern Section powerhouses. Also looking strong is Western League leader Palisades, last year’s Invitational division winner.

City-side ‘sleepers’ that could awaken come the postseason include Locke (Coliseum League), South East (Eastern), Hamilton (Western) and Eagle Rock (Northern).

Once again, the West Valley might be the strongest league top to bottom. Chatsworth, Cleveland, El Camino Real and Birmingham are battling it out and all will be battle tested come playoff time. Also a threat are Valley Mission League leader Sylmar (runner-up last year), North Hollywood and Verdugo Hills of the Sunset Six League and Southern League frontrunner Hollywood, led by 31-goal scorer Geyme Guzman.

A rematch of last season’s inaugural final is brewing in the Small Schools division. Defending champion Foshay leads the Crosstown League and runner-up Sherman Oaks CES is battling Northridge Academy for first place in the Valley League. It’s a three-team sprint for the Freeway League title, with Annenberg, Orthopaedic and Maywood Academy all in the race.

-- Steve Galluzzo

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