Sockers Trade Karic to Crunch for Wright

Paul Wright, a forward for the Cleveland Crunch who was claimed in last summer’s free agent draft after he was left unprotected by the Sockers, has been traded back to the Sockers and will arrive Wednesday, Wright’s agent Scott Simpson said Monday.

According to sources, the Sockers have traded forward Zoran Karic in a one-for-one exchange for Wright. Karic, the Sockers’ leading scorer with 37 goals during the regular season last year, has had his share of differences with Socker Coach Ron Newman during 2 1/2 seasons with the team. He has been the subject of trade rumors since last summer.

Simpson said Wright called him last week and told him he had heard rumors of the trade. Wright, Simpson said, was called by Cleveland General Manager Al Miller Monday and told he had been traded to San Diego. Wright is under orders from Simpson not to comment.

Socker owner Ron Fowler wouldn’t comment either, saying only: “I think we’re very close to a deal.”

Socker President Ron Cady, who sources said met with Miller in Tacoma Monday to finalize the deal, also wouldn’t comment but said he hoped to make an announcement at today’s Sportswriters-Sportcasters Assn. meeting at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

Socker Coach Ron Newman could not be reached for comment.

In Karic, the Sockers have given up a proven veteran who has the ability to score the elegant goal from outside the penalty box. Yet Karic, tied with midfielder Waad Hirmez for the team lead with 22 goals, has often been a selfish player, who rarely helps his teammates defensively. Karic, 28, leads the Sockers in both penalty minutes (21) and shots-attempted (179).

Wright, who played sparingly last season but has 15 goals and 11 assists in 37 games this season, is just 20 years old, and is widely regarded around the Major Indoor Soccer League as a future star because of his blinding speed. Wright, who has a large following in San Diego where he played for Grossmont High School, is a versatile player, who has 20 defensive blocks.

“I think we’re getting something we don’t have from Paul,” midfielder Brian Quinn said. “But we’re giving up a player in Zoran that’s done well the last two years. I think Ron (Newman) and Zoran’s personalties clashed. I don’t think anyone questions Zoran’s ability.”

The trade will allow the Sockers some breathing room with the $875,000 MISL salary cap, which Fowler said the Sockers have pushed to the limit. According to sources, Karic makes around $50,000, Wright around $30,000.