Brazil-Bound Preis Living His Fantasy

Born in West Hills and raised on soccer fields throughout the Valley, Mike Preis of Cal State Northridge and Chatsworth High is about to fulfill a childhood fantasy.

On Sunday, he will leave for Brazil, where he’ll play for the U.S. under-23 national team in an exhibition on April 7.

“It’s a dream come true playing for the national team,” said Preis, 21.

The 18-man team features nine players who have professional experience, along with three players--Steve Shak, Peter Vagenas and Sasha Victorine--from NCAA power UCLA.

The national team roster has not been finalized. But it’s impressive that Preis was selected to try out among dozens of players.

That’s quite an accomplishment considering he comes from a Northridge program that doesn’t have a coach and almost dropped soccer two years ago.

Preis scored 14 goals in 16 games as a junior last season. He has been loyal to his Valley roots and now he’s off to one of the world’s soccer hotbeds with a chance to show his skills.

“Everything has seemed not real,” he said. “I’m really excited.”