Seated in Berlin's Olympic Stadium recently, watching Italy face off against France in the World Cup final, Matthew Mahowald experienced first-hand the mania that is second nature to soccer fans in most every other country on the planet.

He heard the chants of fans repeating over and over the names of their favorite teams, saw the faces of fans painted with their national colors, watched men cry openly after a missed shot on goal, and delighted in children making monkey noises while draped in the colors of their country's flag.

Most of all, for the 2006 graduate of Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance --- one of the Southland's top high school goalies --- the commotion surrounding him affirmed his love for soccer, what he calls "the most beautiful sport in the world." And it strengthened his commitment to one day play with the best. "The world of World Cup," he says, "is the one I want to live in."

Mahowald started his soccer career at age five when his dad signed him up for the AYSO league. As a pre-teen, his success on the soccer field allowed him to become competitive at the highest level. His hard work and perseverance earned him invitations to premier select teams and prestigious tournaments.

Upon graduation from St. Lawrence Martyr School in Redondo Beach, he entered Bishop Montgomery in 2002, became captain of his Junior Varsity team and was named its Most Valuable Player. He repeated those successes as a sophomore, despite the unexpected death of the person he called coach, mentor and hero: his father.

"My inspiration comes from my father," says Mahowald. "He has taught me so much that I still, to this day, remember. He gave me the leadership qualities that a goalkeeper needs."

His dad's spirit, he says, provided him motivation to compete, train and endure all obstacles. "He was my biggest fan," states Matt. "I looked up to him because he was an incredible athlete. He won triathlons, marathons and even an Iron Man race. His determination to train, lift, and win still inspire me today."

His positive attitude also stems from his mother's philosophy on life. Lisa Mahowald, president and CEO of the clothing company BIYAYCDA (Believe in Yourself and You Can Do Anything), has always challenged Matthew to be the best he can be.

"A sense of inferiority and inadequacy interferes with the attainment of your dreams" says Lisa. "I have always tried to instill in Matthew self confidence. You have to expect things from yourself before you can do them."

In his final season with the Knights, Matt earned defensive player of the year and first team All Serra League honors. Now headed to UC Santa Cruz, he envisions leading his team to the NCAA Championships.

"Matthew has the potential of taking his game all the way to the top," says his high school coach Graham Edwards. "He is a hard-working athlete who is looked up to by some of the best in his league."

After college Mahowald hopes to compete professionally, and looks forward to receiving advice and instruction from UC Santa Cruz soccer coach, Dan Chamberlain, formerly a top goalkeeper in his own right. "I really admire Coach Dan," says Mahowald. "He has a tremendous amount of experience at both the college and professional level, and I feel that I can learn a lot from him."

To those who say his goals are set too high, Mahowald says he plans to work as hard as necessary to fulfill his dreams.

"I am ready to really go for it," he says. "I look back at what I have achieved, and I am happy. Now, I have greater aspirations. The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. I took that first step when I was in Berlin and walked into Olympic Stadium."