MISL Notebook : Quinn to Miss Game; Segota Also Hurting
Socker midfielder Brian Quinn will not play in Wednesday’s Major Indoor Soccer League All-Star game because of a strained right arch and midfielder Branko Segota will probably not play because of a sprained left ankle.
“It’s 80% that Branko can’t play,” said Socker Coach Ron Newman.
Mike Stankovic of the Wichita Wings was named by Alan Hinton, Western Division coach, to replace Quinn, who is not coming to Tacoma. Quinn, who was injured against St. Louis Friday, is expected to be out at least one to three weeks.
Midfielder Kevin Smith of the Dallas Sidekicks was named by Eastern Division Coach Gordon Jago to replace Cleveland’s Dennis Mepham. Mepham re-injured his calf against Minnesota Sunday.
Segota was also injured Sunday while battling for a ball with Kansas City forward Jan Goossens. After the game, Segota’s ankle was swollen, and trainer Bill Taylor said he expects Segota to be out 10 days to two weeks.
However, Newman said that Segota will probably be in Tacoma for today’s luncheon honoring the MISL First Decade All-Star team. Segota, Juli Veee, Zoltan Toth and Fernando Clavijo of the Sockers were named to the team.
If Segota responds to treatment much quicker than anticipated, he might practice and see if he can play Wednesday, but the Sockers’ front office is obviously wary of taking a chance on their leading scorer and one of the league’s superstars.
“We’re obviously concerned about the (upcoming) road trip,” said Ron Fowler, Socker chairman of the board. “I would be surprised if he’s able to play. But if treatment works out, Tacoma wants him here.”
If it becomes clear Segota cannot play today, Hinton said he would replace him with Goossens, who was next in line in all-star votes by the players.
If Segota tries to warm up Wednesday, Hinton said he might dress an extra player chosen from tonight’s Starshot contest.
Whatever happens, Hinton understands that Newman--his assistant coach--is nervous about having Segota play Wednesday.
“It’s only fair for him (Newman) to put the San Diego Sockers ahead of the all-star game if it means gambling on a player from his team,” Hinton said.
Clavijo is Hinton’s leading candidate to be the captain of the Western Division team. Hinton said Quinn and Clavijo had been strong candidates, with Quinn having an edge. Now that Quinn is out, Hinton said he’s leaning toward Clavijo, who is the Socker captain.
“That would make my day,” Clavijo said. “It would really be an accomplishment for myself. Beautiful, 1988 is becoming a pretty good year.”
MISL Notes
The board of directors touched on numerous topics during their six hours of meetings Monday. The league office will be moved out of New York City this summer. Kansas City, Dallas and Cleveland are making a pitch for the office. Commissioner Bill Kentling said he favors Kansas City, but discussions will continue today and Wednesday. . . . St. Louis Steamer chairman of the board Joseph Farrell made an emotional pitch describing the financial plight of his franchise and what is needed to survive the season. The Steamers are having severe problems, both on the field and at the gate. “He’s fighting to keep it alive,” Kentling said. Farrell is attempting to acquire new financing. Kentling said the Steamers need approximately $500,000 to survive the season. He is prepared to allow St. Louis to take money out of its $250,000 letter of credit to stay alive. Each team in the league posts a $250,000 letter of credit. . . . “We do not believe we will expand in 1989,” Kentling said. Possbile franchises included Denver, Worcester, Mass., and Greensboro, N.C.
