SOCCER: WALL BACK FOR BIG ECR MATCH.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

Birmingham High of Van Nuys' All-City goalkeeper John Wall ran into El Camino Real boys' soccer coach David Hussey last week and assured him he wouldn't miss Tuesday's West Valley League showdown between their two teams.

Recruiting trips have kept Wall out of goal recently, but the Patriots' opponents have had just as much trouble getting past his replacement. Luis Zamora has three shutouts in the last two weeks.

Wall missed a Jan. 21 game against Cleveland because of a recruiting trip to Hawaii and played in the field earlier that week against Taft to give Zamora, a sophomore, a chance to get comfortable. Wall missed Friday's victory against Chatsworth to take a recruiting trip to San Jose State.

Wall's play was a key part of Birmingham's 2-1 victory when the Patriots played at defending City champion ECR in the opening week of league. A repeat performance in the rematch could keep Birmingham alone in first place.

--Not this year: Only twice in the Marmonte League's 18 years of girls' soccer has a team gone undefeated the entire league season. Simi Valley did it both times, the last being in 1992. The league had two undefeated teams less than two weeks ago, but by the end of that week it was clear an undefeated season would have to wait at least another year.

Simi Valley beat Westlake, which was previously perfect in league, on Jan. 19. Two days later, Westlake became the first Marmonte team to defeat Agoura. Westlake almost went undefeated last season, but a late-season loss at Simi Valley provided the lone blemish on the Warriors' record.

--What exactly are they ranking?: For anyone complaining about the Daily News top-10 selections, take a look at the Southern Section polls for some rankings that really don't make sense.

No local girls' teams are ranked in Division I or II, not even defending Division II-champion Hart, which is undefeated in league and having a better season than a year ago. Westlake (14-2-2) should be considered a contender for the Division II title, but the Warriors are unranked. Their league rival Agoura (12-3), which lost to Westlake 2-0, is the lone local representative in Division III at No. 10.

The Southern Section puts the blame on the coaches for any inaccuracy. A coaches association with representatives from each division votes on the rankings.

--Also: Hart senior forward Oscar Mendez is likely out for the season after breaking two bones in his hand. The injury resulted from an accident at home and required surgery last weekend. . . . Chaminade of West Hills senior defender Lindsay Frame's season also appears to be finished after she suffered a dislocated knee cap. . . . After a 1-6 start, the Pacific View League-leading Rio Mesa of Oxnard boys enter today's game against Oxnard having lost just two of their last 13 games. . . . Village Christian of Sun Valley sweeper Tony Rotunno was one of 26 juniors from Southern California selected to participate in the Reebok All-America showcase on March 17 in San Bernardino. The three-year varsity player, who earned All-Southern Section honors last year, leads his team in goals and assists.