Sockers Select High-Scoring Ryerson

Robbie Ryerson, the all-time leading scorer at Nevada Las Vegas, was the Sockers’ first-round choice in the Major Indoor Soccer League draft Monday. Ryerson, who had 67 goals and 22 assists in 81 games, was the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. Player of the Year in 1985.

“We’re elated Ryerson was available,” said Johan Aarnio, Socker assistant coach. “He was the guy we had our eyes on all along.”

Ryerson was the 13th pick overall. He scored one goal and one assist Sunday in the Indoor Classic for the top collegiate players at Richfield, Ohio.

The Sockers’ second-round pick was forward Neil Swindells of Eastern Illinois. Swindells, a two-time All-Mid Continent player, had 36 goals and 29 assists in 68 games for Eastern Illinois.

Oscar Padilla, San Diego’s third-round pick, played forward at Chico State but will be moved to defense by the Sockers. Midfielder Mike Nieto, the fourth-round pick, was a four-time All-Pacific Conference player at Cal and was the conference MVP in 1984.