MSL NOTEBOOK : Segota Appeals, And Foreman Lifts Suspension

Upon an appeal submitted by Branko Segota and Socker President Ron Cady, MSL Commissioner Earl Foreman on Thursday rescinded Segota’s one-game suspension and reduced a $1,000 fine to $350.

The decision cleared Segota for tonight’s game in Cleveland (5 p.m., XTRA 690).

Earlier in the week, Foreman announced the suspension and fine, which stemmed from a March 1 incident in Kansas City. Both players were going for a ball. Comets goalie Jim Gorsek got there first, then Segota came in with an extended foot and struck Gorsek in the left thigh. Gorsek left the game with a contusion, and Segota received a red-card ejection.

Foreman lowered the penalty after Segota appealed and sent the commissioner a copy of a March 2 newspaper story in which Gorsek was quoted as saying Segota did not intend to strike Gorsek.

Tonight’s game in Cleveland could be a preview of the Major Soccer League championship series.

The Crunch (23-20) currently holds a three-game lead in the East over second-place Kansas City (21-22). The Sockers (28-15) have not been challenged in the West since second-place St. Louis lost star forward Claudio De Oliveira to a knee injury a month ago.

It has been an about-face for Cleveland, which a little over a month ago sat in last place.

“We always felt we had the best talent in the league . . . maybe besides San Diego,” said George Fernandez, a former Socker. “And we had to come together sooner or later.”

Fernandez, who last summer left the Sockers for Cleveland’s greener bank account, said there are two reasons for the turnaround:

--”We’re a very relaxed team now,” he said. “In the beginning we were very uptight.”

--Mike Sweeney. “That’s helped tremendously,” Fernandez said. “Sweeney is the Brian Quinn of this team--he makes this team go.”

The key to both reasons, however, came when Trevor Dawkins replaced Kai Haaskivi as head coach.

The beginning of the end came early in the season for Haaskivi, who after a 9-5 loss to the Sockers Nov. 23 at the Sporta Arena asked his players for ideas to help the team. Sweeney indicated a new arrangement was needed for Haaskivi, a player/coach.

Haaskivi, miffed by the suggestion, settled on a different remedy--he told Sweeney not to attend practices or show up for games.

“I think Mike Sweeney was just a scapegoat,” Fernandez said. “And I think the team has realized that now.”

Fernando Clavijo, another former Socker defender, has two jobs. Besides playing for the St. Louis Storm, Clavijo will also perform with the U.S. national team. Interim Coach John Kowalski added Clavijo earlier this week.

After interviewing for the national team’s coaching job Tuesday in Los Angeles, Socker Coach Ron Newman watched Clavijo and the U.S. team battle Mexico to a 2-2 tie later that evening.

“Fernando Clavijo was the best player on the field,” Newman said. “He’s carrying the flag for the MSL.”

Newman says the indoor game improves outdoor skills.

“Look at any (soccer) club in the world,” Newman said. “When they train, they do a lot of five-a-side, which is what (indoor soccer is). Plus, in the indoor game, you’re always under pressure and you always are forced to make decisions. It toughens up players.”

The league’s expansion to Buffalo and Pittsburgh still is not set.

Bernie Mullin, who is spearheading the drive in Pittsburgh, said he will hear whether a prospective owner will give the project “a rubber stamp” on Wednesday. Joel Giambra, Buffalo city comptroller, said the two vying ownership groups in that city are talking of combining their efforts.

“Right now I’d say it’s a 50-50 scenario,” Giambra said. “My sense is by the end of March, beginning of April, the ownership groups will have to make a decision on whether to go through with it.”

Baltimore Coach Kenny Cooper used to receive pats on the back for developing American players. Currently, the Blast’s 12 North Americans are the most on any MSL team.

Not only has Cooper employed Americans, but he has won six division titles with them.

“And I’m proud of that,” Cooper said. “American players have been given a raw deal. All they need is an opportunity and some confidence.”

Now, however, with the Blast (19-23) falling out of contention in the East, Cooper has become a target of back-stabbing for the same reason he was once praised--having so many Americans on his roster.

“It hurts you right in the gut,” Cooper said of critical reports. “I think we all have an obligation to develop American soccer and that’s what I’m trying to do.”