Collins Mysteriously Absent at Opening of Sockers’ Camp

Midfielder Michael Collins, a free agent from St. Louis, was expected at the opening of the Sockers’ training camp on Monday, but he never arrived.

Coach Ron Newman said he had no idea of Collins’ whereabouts.

“I saw him on Friday and when he left he couldn’t have been happier,” Newman siad. “I’m a little bit surprised.”

The Sockers are counting on Collins, a nine-year veteran, to add some experience to what will be a very young team.

There were two other unexpected absentees: veteran defender Cacho, who was invited but given no guarantee of making the team, and defender Arturo Velazco, a developmental player last year, who has apparently decided to forego indoor soccer and may try out for the Mexican national team.

Six of the seven players signed off last year’s roster did report: Rod Castro, defender Kevin Crow, goalie Victor Nogueira, defensive runner Paul Wright, midfielders Brian Quinn and Waad Hirmez, as did three unsigned returners: Wes Wade, Thien Gnuyen and Rene Ortiz, all of whom are expected to sign soon.