Sockers Triumph, 6-5, in OT

The more Steve Zungul sees of Sockers’ teammate Branko Segota, who scored the game-winning goal Wednesday against the Chicago Sting, the more Segota reminds him of days gone by.

“When I came to America, I was 24 years old,” the Yugoslavian-born Zungul said. “I put the ball in the net each time I shot. Branko is 23 now, and he puts the ball in the net each time. He’ll be better than me.”

Zungul is indoor soccer’s all-time leading scorer, by a margin of more than 350 points.

And Zungul has reason to expect a lot from Segota. In the Sockers’ 6-5 victory at Chicago Stadium, Segota had a season-high five goals, including the game-winner 3:44 into overtime.

“Segota’s beating people like Zungul used to,” Chicago Coach Willy Roy said. “He’s doing a great job for them.”

Zungul and Segota both did a great job on the game-winning goal.

Zungul was lying on his back when he stole the ball at midfield. He said that he did not even see his game-winning assist to Segota because of the position he was in.

Segota took the pass from Zungul and dribbled around Chicago defender Manny Rojas. He then beat goalie Victor Nogueria with a left-footed shot from 23 feet out.

“Branko is so lethal around the goal right now,” Coach Ron Newman said. “Before he ever played here, I said I wouldn’t want to sit in the seats behind the goal. You think the ball will go right through the glass when he kicks it.”

Segota has 14 goals and 5 assists in the last 5 games. Segota has 37 goals this season, one behind team-leader Zungul.

Before this season, Segota had played outdoor soccer exclusively over the past three years.

“I think I’m getting more comfortable with the team and the indoor game,” he said. “I’m starting to read plays better, and Steve Zungul is helping me a great deal.”

Going into Wednesday’s game, the Sockers needed all the help they could get. Missing the trip were Hugo Perez (pulled hamstring), Paulo Moura (bruised knee) and Ade Coker (infection from an appendectomy). Sent home Tuesday were Kaz Deyna (partially torn knee cartilage) and Gary Collier (broken ankle). Reserve Caleb Suri was called back to Chicago, and Waad Hirmez was signed to a 10-day contract.

The injury situation did not get any better. After the game Segota was hobbling from a sore left ankle. Zungul had a bruise below his left knee. And Jean Willrich had a severe pulled muscle in his right leg that he said might keep him out of Friday’s game in St. Louis.

The Sockers (23-7) have won 5 straight games and 9 of 10. They have the Major Indoor Soccer League’s best record, 1 1/2 games ahead of Baltimore (21-8). Chicago (18-11) has lost two straight home games since winning its first 14 at home.

Zungul had three assists against Chicago, giving him 80 points for the season. Chicago’s Karl-Heinz Granitza, who had one goal and one assist, leads the league with 83 points.

Neither Zungul nor Granitza was happy about the game because of what they perceived as dirty play by the opposition.

“Chicago used to play soccer,” Zungul said. “I would expect more soccer and less kicking from them now. This is too much.”

Said Granitza: “I got hit in the kidneys, and they were holding my jersey. That referee, Toros Kibritjian, only called fouls when I pushed back. He should be suspended for life.”

For now, Granitza and teammates could do without seeing Segota for a while.