Sockers Sign Midfielders Collins, Castro

The Sockers Tuesday announced the signing of midfielders Ben Collins, a five-year Major Indoor Soccer League veteran, and Rod Castro, a rookie free agent.

The team has now filled 15 of 18 spots and is expected to round out its roster by signing defender Donald Cogsville, a first-round draft choice from the University of North Carolina, midfielder Jacques Ladouceur, a former Socker who sat out last season, and ex-Lazer forward Jim Gabarra, who plays for the U.S. national team.

Collins played 30 games last season for the Lazers, scoring five goals and four assists. He missed more than three months with torn cartilage.

Castro was drafted by the Sockers out of Indiana University in 1987 but opted to sign with the Memphis Storm of the American Indoor Soccer Assn. to get more experience. He led the Storm in scoring last season with 55 goals and 19 assists in 39 games.