Henderson Says He'll Sign 9-Month Deal with Sockers

By JOHN GEIS

Sept. 22, 1990 12 AM PT

Eddie Henderson, the fourth pick in the Major Soccer League draft, said he will sign a nine-month contract with the Sockers.

“They’ve offered me a contract and I’m happy with the offer,” he said. “For sure I’ll sign it and get it back to them on Monday.”

Ron Cady, Sockers’ president, would say only that the team is still negotiating with Henderson.

Drafted from Washington, Henderson is said to have the speed of Socker defensive runner Paul Wright, considered the fastest player in the MSL, but Henderson shook his head at that.

“If we ran a 100-yard dash, he would beat me,” Henderson said. “I just have people fooled. My quickness is in my first three steps and I play the ball early so I don’t get beat.”

Henderson (5-foot-1, 145 pounds) is expected to be among the Sockers’ most bountiful draft. Defender Marcelo Balboa of the U.S. national team, selected with the first overall pick, said he will not report until signed, and Cady has already gone on record saying that would not be a problem. Defender David Banks, a third-round pick from Philadelphia Textile, is also expected to be signed, and Eric Yamamoto, a goalie taken in the fourth round from Santa Clara, may stay as well.

In other matters, the Sockers cut Bob Lilley, the only free-agent defender with professional indoor experience brought into camp.

“But it’s not what they bring with them,” said Erich Geyer, Sockers’ assistant coach. “It’s what they show on the field.”