SOURCES: U.S. LIKELY HOST DECISION ON CUP SITE COULD COME MONDAY.

Byline: Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer

The United States Soccer Federation, which has been called the ``front- runner'' to host the 2003 Women's World Cup by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, is expected to be awarded the event by Monday, according to several sources in the soccer community.

Eight members of FIFA's emergency committee have been given proposals by the U.S. and Sweden and will choose between the two nations in a timely manner. If the event is awarded to the U.S., the new Home Depot Center in Carson and the Rose Bowl are likely game sites.

``The folder has been given to the emergency committee,'' FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren told the Associated Press on Friday. Asked when a decision will be made, Herren said, ``It is likely to be made Monday.''

The U.S. and Sweden were the only nations to submit complete bids to host the 16-nation tournament. The previous Women's World Cup, hosted by the U.S. in 1999, averaged 38,833 fans a game and drew a television audience of more than 40 million viewers for the final, in which the U.S. beat China on penalty kicks in front of 90,125 at the Rose Bowl.

``If chosen, we're ready to hit the ground running,'' U.S. Soccer Federation president Bob Contiguglia told the Associated Press on Friday.

The fourth FIFA Women's World Cup originally was scheduled to be played in China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 11. FIFA's executive committee voted to move the tournament because of the SARS epidemic in Asia.

U.S. officials are cautious about claiming victory in the bidding but are moving forward with logistics and discussing stadium possibilities. They would have only four months to prepare for the event.

``We've heard what others have heard, that there could be a decision by Monday,'' said Jim Moorehouse, the director of communications for U.S. Soccer. ``We feel like we've put together a great proposal, and we feel good about our chances.

``But the decision is not ours. If we get it, we're ready to go. If not, we respect their decision.''

According to FIFA, the original U.S. bid proposed using The Home Depot Center in Carson, which opens June 7 when the Galaxy hosts the Colorado Rapids. Other sites listed were Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio; Spartan Stadium in San Jose; and RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Moorehouse said several proposals were submitted to FIFA, however, considering the use of up to seven venues.

The Rose Bowl remains a possibility to host the championship game because of its successful track record, which includes hosting the 1999 final, the 1994 World Cup final and 1984 Olympic gold-medal game.

Rose Bowl general manager Darryl Dunn said he was in discussions with U.S. soccer officials this week.

``We've had dialogue, but the focus has been on getting the event first,'' Dunn said. ``They (U.S. officials) are confident, but not overly confident.''

``If they do get it, we're being considered and will do the best we can to secure a date.''

Soccer insiders believe the Rose Bowl is a long shot to host the championship again. They cite U.S. Soccer's desire to use The Home Depot Center, which has been touted as a showcase of soccer in this country for the rest of the world.

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- Fred J. Robledo