AREA SOCCER GETS BOOST.

Byline: Scott Magoloff Staff Writer

It is widely believed that the shootout victory for the United States in the Women's World Cup on June 10 will lead to more women playing soccer.

The Santa Clarita Soccer Center has already experienced a boost in its women's and co-ed leagues that has continued. So much so that it began an additional four-team morning league for women, which meets Wednesdays.

``That league's taken off,'' facility manager Joe Whiting said. ``Most are soccer moms so involved with their kids that the hour or hour-and-a-half they come out is a way to relieve stress.

``And the fitness aspect - they realize they had muscles where they didn't know they did. Then the addiction (of soccer).''

Whiting said once the women get the feel of indoor soccer, which requires less running than the outdoor game, they can't get enough. That's where the idea came from to open the center during the mornings.

``Nobody uses it in the mornings, so why not get it going?'' Whiting said. ``Enough of them own their own businesses, are self-employed or have flexible-enough schedules. And it's a lower-priced league basically for extra playing time.''

Facility owner Scott Schauer was pleased to see the rise in women players. He said the majority of his business comes from the men's adult leagues, although the women are catching up.

``With all the hype of the Women's World Cup, we have women who are 40-years old and 180 pounds, and they're out there kicking the ball and having a great time,'' Schauer said.

Filling a need: Brandon Herrera, a 1996 Hart graduate, is at a tough age for soccer in this area. At 20, he is now too old for the competition of club soccer. He is a student at College of the Canyons, which does not have a men's soccer team.

``It's the only chance you get for competitive soccer at my age unless you're in college,'' said Herrera, who has managed and played for Newhall United for the last two years. ``I'd like (to play) outdoor, but I like it here too. It's fun and competitive.''

Herrera said he will attend Cal State Northridge as a junior in the fall and is considering trying out for the Matador team.

Dining with the Galaxy: Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid will attend a benefit dinner, sponsored by the Santa Clarita Soccer Center, at Le Chene French Cuisine at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3. Some of the Galaxy players will speak.

Proceeds go to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer. Cost to attend is $60.

``I'd be excited just to eat at Le Chene,'' Whiting said.

Information: [phone].

To the beach: The Santa Clarita United 13-and-under club team deviated from the soccer norm to try a beach soccer tournament on June 26-27.

The club went 1-1-1 in the tournament, which was held at Huntington Beach Pier. It was the players' first foray into sand soccer, which is played on a shorter field, features smaller goals and seven players on a side. Also, the players are not allowed to wear shoes, instead going barefoot or wearing socks.

``It was really exciting,'' said Marshall Cooper, who had a goal and two assists in the tournament. ``It's kind of tiring from running in the sand, but I had a lot of fun. I hope we have another (beach soccer) tournament.''

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo: (1 -- color) Mission Impossible's James Shapouri trips over the Goldrush's David Franco in a match at the Santa Clarita Soccer Center.

(2 -- color) At this soccer match, it's the kids' turn to watch the adults play.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer