Sockers Pass on Draft Picks, but Sign Uruguay Veteran

Perhaps Socker Coach Ron Newman was right when he said it’s easier to find players on the streets than through the Major Indoor Soccer League draft.

Friday, the Sockers announced they will not offer contracts to their four 1986 draft choices--first-round pick Rob Ryerson of Nevada Las Vegas, English striker Neil Swindells of Eastern Illinois, defender Oscar Padilla of Chico State and midfielder Mike Nieto of the University of California.

But the Sockers signed defender Carlos Melian of Uruguay to a one-year contract. Terms were not disclosed. Melian, 25, played for the Wanderers of the First Division in Uruguay and for the Uruguay’s junior national team.

While on vacation in Las Vegas last week, Melian sent the Sockers a resume, and Newman was impressed enough to offer to fly Melian to San Diego for a tryout. Melian was supposed to arrive in San Diego Wednesday, but Melian first accepted a tryout with the Tacoma Stars.

Johan Aarnio, Socker assistant coach, called Melian in Tacoma Wednesday night. Melian told him he wanted to try out with the Sockers. Aarnio flew to Tacoma Thursday morning and returned to San Diego with Melian Thursday night. Melian practiced with the Sockers Friday for the first time. After practice, he signed a contract.

Melian and free agent Tim Bartro, who scored five goals in six games for the Sockers last season, are the only non-roster players making the team’s exhibition trip to Indianapolis and Cincinnati next week. San Diego plays at Indianapolis Monday night and at Cincinnati Tuesday night.