Six Sockers Named to All-Star Team : Soccer: U.S. team responsibilities will keep Brian Quinn out, however.

The Sockers placed six players on the MSL’s Western All-Star team--kind of.

As expected, midfielder Brian Quinn was among those voted onto the squad, and when he left the Sockers two weeks ago to join the U.S. national team, he said he would play in the All-Star Game.

But since that time the national team scheduled more exhibitions on a South American tour that begins Feb. 12 in Costa Rica. Coach Bora Milutinovic also decided to bring his regulars on that trip. Originally he had planned to evaluate his inexperienced players.

All of which means Quinn will be out of the country when the All-Star Game takes place Feb. 13 in Baltimore.

Other Sockers chosen include forward Paul Wright, midfielder Paul Dougherty, defenders Kevin Crow and Ben Collins, and goalie Victor Nogueira. All but Dougherty were voted onto the team in a poll of players from other West teams. Dougherty was among Coach Ron Newman’s four choices.

Quinn expressed regret about missing the game.

“I won’t be able to play,” he said. “Though it’s a great honor to be chosen. And the game itself is always great to play in . . . Our games seem to be the most competitive as far as teams wanting to win as opposed to NHL or NBA All-Star Games.”

It marks the eighth time Quinn has been chosen as an All-Star and the fourth time he will not be able to make it.

Newman, who was assigned All-Star duties by virtue of leading the Sockers to the championship last May, expressed surprise when told of Quinn’s unavailability.

“I just heard from his agent (Brian Halliday) last week that he was definitely going to make it,” Newman said. “He said he was definitely going to make it.”

Newman indicated he already has a replacement in mind. Though he wouldn’t give a name, he hinted the player would be a Socker, thereby keeping the Sockers’ representation at six.

Choosing from his own roster, however, places Newman in a quandary. The first-place Sockers have a game in San Diego the following night against second-place Wichita, and if Newman chooses from elsewhere that would be one less Socker having to make a coast-to-coast trip the day of an important game.

“That’s another point,” Newman said. “I talked to Oscar (Ancira, managing general partner) about that . . . it is a great opportunity for one of our players.”

It is believed Newman would like to showcase defensive runner Wes Wade, who normally would not be a candidate. Nevertheless, Wade is considered the best player in the league at his position.

The team already has plenty of offense, anyway: Wichita’s Dale Ervine (34 goals, 28 assists) and Chico Borja (18,27), St. Louis’ Preki (24, 25) and Branko Segota (28, 16), Tacoma’s Dale Mitchell (29, 17), and the Sockers’ Wright (28, 16).

Also, Wichita defender Kim Roentved will be making his 11th All-Star appearance.