Former Toro Selected in Pro Soccer Draft

Gerardo Yepez, Cal State Dominguez Hills’ leading scorer the past two seasons and a former standout at Hawthorne High and El Camino College, was selected in the third round by the Forum-based L.A. United in Wednesday’s Continental Indoor Soccer League collegiate-amateur draft.

“He’s probably one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Toro Coach Marine Cano said. “He tries to do all the things a good soccer player tries to do.”

A forward, Yepez had seven goals and seven assists during the 1992 season, both team highs. In 1991, Yepez had a team-high 14 goals and five assists.

Cano, who played goal for the Cleveland Force of the now-defunct Major Indoor Soccer League, is confident about Yepez’s chances for success in his transition to the indoor game.

“He’s (26), older than most college seniors, so he won’t be intimidated,” Cano said. “He’s so quick and fit. I’ll predict he’ll be one of L.A.’s best players.”

The CISL is scheduled to begin its inaugural season June 17 when L.A. United plays the Arizona Sandsharks June 17 at the American West Arena in Phoenix. The first of 14 home games for L.A. United will be June 19 against Sacramento.

L.A. United is the sixth soccer franchise to play in L.A. County since 1967 and the CISL the fifth league to try to crack this market, which has long proved resistant to teams in start-up leagues.

Four of the eight CISL franchises that will play this summer are owned by NBA owners, including Los Angeles, owned by Laker owner Jerry Buss. League rules specify that eight of the 13 players on each roster must come from the franchise’s own region.

Cano is optimistic about the CISL’s chances for success.

“They are the best-organized group I have ever dealt with,” he said. “For the clubs (to primarily draft locally) will give that team a local atmosphere and environment so people can come and identify with that team.”