The 2006 World Cup in Germany has had its share of exciting moments and intrigue, but so far the outcome has been painfully predictable. The U.S., yet again, could not play its way out of the opening round. Brazil and Germany have been dominant and six of the eight teams in the quarterfinals are from Europe.

Three CSUN athletes matched their skills against the best in the country at the NCAA Track and Field Championships June 7-10. Juniors Justin Johnson and Anthony Brown and freshman Jere Summers traveled to Sacramento to compete in their signature events. This was the athletes first time at the championships.

The CSUN women’s soccer team will have a distinctly different look this season, both on the field and on the sideline. Keith West, who has been an assistant with the men’s team since 2000 has taken over the head coaching job for the women this year. West signed 12 players and plans to add about five players.

Several CSUN staff and community members hit the links for the annual Matador Golf Classic June 12 to help raise funds for the CSUN Athletic Department. Participants included CSUN athletic coaches, alumni and other members of the community. The event was held at the Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley where the $200 cost of entry included course fees, lunch and dinner, and a photograph with CSUN mascot Matty the Matador.

Goooooooooooooaaaaal!!!!!!!!!! That’s an exclamation you’ll be hearing a lot during the next month, as the 18th FIFA World Cup begins in Germany on June 9, where 32 of the best soccer teams in the world vie for the sport’s ultimate prize. The teams come from six different continents, including six past champions and six first-time competitors.