CHECKING IN WITH ... Osmar Espinoza:

With the venerable Manchester United turning back the insurgent team from Chelsea in the European Champions League title contest, we thought it would be interesting to check in with Osmar Espinoza, who owns Costa Mesa Soccer Sports, 1916 Harbor Blvd.

Manchester United beat Chelsea in an exciting shootout Wednesday for Manchester’s third European Cup. Were you rooting for either team? If so, who were you pulling for, and why?

I’m just a big fan of soccer and wasn’t really rooting for either team. I just really wanted to see a good soccer game.

Do you see any signs of Beckham-mania since David and Posh Spice moved to L.A.? Has Beckham’s move to L.A. Galaxy helped boost jersey sales at your store?

Ever since David Beckham moved to the L.A. Galaxy, it has boosted the sale of jerseys and accessories. I sell Galaxy tickets at my store, and everyone goes to the game to see Beckham play.

What are some of your more popular items at the store and why?

Some of the most popular item in my store are the original jerseys and soccer balls, because not a lot of stores have all the original jerseys and the newest soccer balls. So people come all over the county just to get ahold of what I got.

We all know AYSO and youth soccer is very popular, but the sport has never seemed to become as popular in America as, say, baseball or football. Do you think soccer will eventually eclipse those sports in popularity?

I do think that soccer will eventually be one of the most popular sports. I have been in business for quite some time and soccer has only increased over the months.

Are your customers excited about the Daily Pilot Cup, the annual local soccer tournament we sponsor in June for elementary school kids?

Yeah, my customers are always exited about the Daily Pilot Cup and the annual local soccer tournaments.

Who’s your favorite soccer player of all time and why?

My favorite soccer player would be Ronaldinho because of all the things he has accomplished.

I have seen DVDs from where he came from and how he got here to play for one of the best teams out there. And just seeing him play when he was 10 years old, he played like a pro and always had dedication to the game.

PAUL ANDERSON is the city editor and can be reached at (714) 966-4633 or [email protected].