Sockers Look to Regain Momentum : Sidekicks Providing Tough Opposition in Even Series

When Socker defender Kevin Crow watched the videotape of his team’s May 6 playoff loss to the Dallas Sidekicks, he was aghast.

He could not believe the Sockers had lost.

“They weren’t even in the game,” he said. But Dallas won, 5-4.

This Sidekick team is kind of funny that way. It doesn’t do anything dazzling. The flashiest part of a Sidekick game, at least at home, is when the team is brought to the playing carpet in spanking new limousines.

Yet entering tonight’s fifth game of the Major Indoor Soccer League semifinals, beginning at 5:35 (PDT) at Reunion Arena, the series is tied 2-2.

So what business does this team of virtual no-names, with the exception of Tatu, have creating so much worry for the six-time MISL champions? And why are the Sockers having so much trouble doing something about it?

“We haven’t really played well at all,” Crow said. “We’re just not sucking it up and doing it.”

But more specifically, there are a few problems. In contrast to the last month of the regular season, when the Sockers were near the top of their game, there hasn’t been an abundance of teamwork. Passes aren’t being strung together, players are holding the ball too long and communication, at times, is poor.

Socker midfielder Brian Quinn expected a tough series, given the nature of the teams involved. Dallas, he said, keeps coming and never quits. That can be counted on.

The Sockers are a different story.

“This team all year has been really unpredictable,” Quinn said. “We never seem to put any long streaks together. We are capable of beating Dallas, but there are no gimmes.”

Improved team defense is essential for the Sockers. That, said Crow, will require help from midfielders and forwards. The Sockers have played good defense in past championship seasons, but they haven’t been consistent this year.

“I don’t see that same kind of attitude, where you’re going to get back no matter how tired you are and get (to the ball) first,” Crow said.

Forward Steve Zungul, with four goals and six assists, has been one of the few whose game has been up a notch during the playoffs. Branko Segota has been strong at times, but it appears weeks of rehabilitating a hamstring pull have left him a step off his game.

The Sockers, Crow said, also are guilty of not knowing when to say when. Players have taken extended shifts rather than substituting and saving energy for late in the game.

“You shouldn’t step on the field tired no matter who you are,” Crow said. “Players are doing it with a good heart. I think they’re staying on to try to help.”

Dallas deserves some credit, too. The Sidekicks have been smart enough to capitalize on Socker mistakes.

And a little lucky? Maybe. But good fortune has been a reward for the hustle.

The Sockers are guaranteed a chance to win the series in San Diego. A loss tonight, though, would put them one slip from elimination.

“Whoever wins Game 5,” Socker Coach Ron Newman said, “puts the other team on the edge.”

This is nothing new for the Sockers. In last year’s Western Division final against Kansas City, they trailed 3-1 before coming back for three consecutive victories.

But that was last year.

“I think we need a little bit more hard work and desire from the start to the end,” Quinn said. “Up until now, I think we’re still relying on individual players to carry us through. When it gets to the playoffs, you need everyone producing. Up until now, I don’t really think we’ve been on top of our game.”