Sockers’ Willrich, Gorsek Close to Deals, Agent Says

The agent representing Sockers Jean Willrich and Jim Gorsek said he has narrowed his negotiations to three teams each for the two players, who, according to Sockers management, must be traded so the team can meet the league’s salary cap requirements.

Scott Simpson said Monday he plans to announce an agreement involving Willrich, a midfield and the Sockers’ captain, with one of the teams today. Simpson said that he is negotiating with the Wichita Wings, Baltimore Blast and Kansas City Comets.

He also is negotiating with the Tacoma Stars, Chicago Sting and Kansas City Comets for a deal involving Gorsek, a goalkeeper.

The Sockers must meet the Major Indoor Soccer League’s salary cap of $1.275 million per team by the Nov. 15 deadline.

As for Willrich and Gorsek, Newman said it is doubtful the two veterans will play for the Sockers this season.

“I don’t know any way of getting out of this problem,” Newman said, “we are so far over the cap.”

Willrich and Gorsek are each in the option year of their contracts, which have no-cut, no-trade clauses. For that reason, the two were chosen as the players who would be traded, Newman said. Willrich, 34, earns $96,000 a year. Gorsek , 32, earns $67,000 a year.

“With these two lads, their contracts were up,” Newman said “It would be no good to get rid of a player making $30,000 a year to replace him with another $30,000 player.”

Newman said that the teams receiving either Willrich or Gorsek will not be faced with the same salary cap problems because the cap requirement is based on salaries beginning July 1. So even if the players are traded, their pay from July 1 to the day of the trade would be considered part of San Diego’s team salary.

In an unrelated matter, the Sockers plan to sign defender George Fernandez, formerly of the Los Angeles Lazers, to a one-year contract today. Newman said the Fernandez signing brings the team’s roster to the 19-player requirement.