U.S. Goalkeeper Vanole Is a No-Show at Soccer Training Camp in La Jolla

Former UCLA goalkeeper David Vanole, who started three of the United States’ eight qualifying games last year for soccer’s 1990 World Cup, has been a no-show since the national team opened its training camp Friday in La Jolla.

“All we know of David’s decision is that I got a note here saying he’s not pleased with the general situation and that he’s not going to show up,” Coach Bob Gansler said Sunday.

“I think it would behoove him to make a call if he wants to give me or the administrators further explanation. He hasn’t done that.”

Vanole, who lives in Manhattan Beach, was unavailable for comment.

Another player, who did not want to be identified, said Vanole was unhappy with the standard player contract offered by the U.S. Soccer Federation because it does not provide insurance coverage.

Although Vanole is the only player who chose to hold out because of the insurance dispute, several other players have not signed contracts and have requested a meeting here during the two-week training camp with USSF President Werner Fricker.

Vanole was the No. 1 goalkeeper until he lost the job after the fourth qualifying game to the University of Virginia’s Tony Meola, who did not allow a goal in the remaining four games as the United States earned a berth in this summer’s World Cup in Italy.

Four others are not among the 25 players here but have excused absences. Midfielder Hugo Perez and forward Peter Vermes are playing with teams in Europe, while Meola and midfielder John Harkes are trying out this week with an English team, Sheffield, on Wednesday.