Sockers Pick Up Forward Castillo, Ignore Hirmez

The Sockers’ 16-man roster now represents nine nationalities with Friday’s addition of Mirko Castillo, a native of Lima, Peru.

Castillo, a first-year forward, recently was cut by the St. Louis Storm. He had a falling out with Coach Don Popovic, who replaced Castillo with former Socker Waad Hirmez.

Coincidentally, Hirmez became available when he had a disagreement with Baltimore Coach Kenny Cooper and was cut.

Socker Coach Ron Newman said he purposely did not pursue Hirmez, knowing that St. Louis was interested and likely would cut Castillo, who is not expected to play Sunday when the Sockers play host to the Wichita Wings at 6 p.m.

Castillo, who scored 63 goals last year with the Chicago Power of the National Professional Soccer League, takes the place of Zico Doe, who starred last summer in the outdoor American Professional Soccer League but couldn’t adjust to the indoor game.