By Our Sports Correspondent
YUBA CITY: Jaspal Singh Gill, also known to his numerous friends, fans and well-wishers as Sodhi, is a top soccer player of repute. He has recently been selected amongst the probable for the Olympic trials for the USA soccer XI. Born over twenty years ago in Yuba City to Sardar Gurdeu Singh Gill and Sardarni Simar Kaur Gill, he has lately blossomed into a quality player, at a relatively young age.
A tragedy in the family some time ago, has not sidetracked this fine soccer player from the game. His father had to undergo eye surgery for the removal as they were found to be cancerous. His family of four brothers and four sisters, look upon Sodhi to keep the family forging ahead.
As a student at Yuba City High School he was voted the MUP for scoring 31 goals, being only 15 years old. At, sixteen he had 28, 17 (3.5 goals) and 25 goals, at 18 years when he had knee injury.
At the American River College, he has 15 goals, which is 2nd all American team. In 1985 Sodhi played on state cup team, where he was the top scorer.
Playing in the Miller Division semi-professional league for Club Mexico, he was again at the top with 15 goals to his credit. In 1987 in the California state soccer league, playing under Guru Nanak sports club, Yuba City he was yet again the top match scorer in northern California.
At last he has been rewarded for the USA soccer team Olympic trials, a pity his dad, will not be able to see his sons heroic deeds.
Sardar Chanchal Singh Rai is one of the men behind Sodhi’s success. Rai donated a 10 acre parcel to the Bogue Road Gurdwara where Sodhi practices soccer. Sardar Rai from village Boparatin Jullundur Dist., came to USA in 1931 and helped fellow Sikhs to settle in USA. His two sons Sohan Singh and Mohan Singh are deceased.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990
