The World’s Choice: Soccer, opiate of the...

The World’s Choice: Soccer, opiate of the sporting masses in a majority of nations, continues to gain popularity in the Valley region. Some 1.2 million Southland television viewers watched the 1994 World Cup final, played before a capacity crowd at the Rose Bowl. Regional participation in youth leagues and at high school and college levels has never been higher.

Youthful Exuberance: The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) estimates that in the Valley region alone there are 34,000 youngsters, ages 4 to 18, playing in its programs this year.

CSUN Is Building: Cal State Northridge has the region’s only major college soccer teams, and neither will make the playoffs this season. The men’s and women’s teams are both having losing seasons. The men were eliminated as the result of a match last week. But at least the future looks bright. The men’s team, in action above, has 11 freshmen. “It’s going to be a two-year program to develop them,” said men’s coach Marwan Ass’ad.

They Rate: Several players from local high schools are key contributors to top college programs. Cindy Daws of Louisville and Monica Gerardo of Simi Valley start for the top-ranked Notre Dame women’s team. John Macdonald of Alemany and Chris Sawicki and Chap Early of La Canada play for the No. 5 California men’s team.

Streak Still Kicking: The La Canada High boys’ team has won 50 consecutive matches and back-to-back Southern Section Division IV titles. But Spartan Coach Lou Bilowitz, who must replace 15 graduates, said he will be “praying we get to 51” this season.