The Tampa Tribune from Tampa, Florida • 36

4 SPORTS THE TAMPA TRIBUNE-TIMES SUNDAY. MAY 17, 1998 Polish-born stars stoke Fire in 2-1 victory over Mutiny jy y. 'if, -f I I f'J a 9J V) KEVIN HOWEfor the Tribune Tampa Bay's Adam Frye, left, and Chicago's C.J. Brown jump feet-first in the open field to kick the ball away. 0 33 0 1 Kansas City New England Pak struggles to maintain lead at LPGA A Tribune wire report ROCKLAND, Del.

Se Ri Pak did not play particularly well Saturday, yet still managed to remain atop the leader board in the LPGA Championship. Now, however, the 20-year-old South Korean rookie no longer is alone in first place. And suddenly, there are nearly a dozen players with a genuine I chance to walk away with the $195,000 9QIT winner's check today. Pak shot a 1-over-par 72 for an 8-under 205 total and a first-place tie with Lisa Hackney after three rounds of the major tournament. Hackney made four birdies over the final eight holes in a scrambling 69 that put her in position for her first tour win.

Defending champion Chris Johnson, who started the day in ninth place, shot a 67 to finish in a group of four at six under. Lisa Walters, who began the round in second place, shot a 73 and was among four players at 208. On a sweltering afternoon in which temperatures hovered around 90 degrees, Pak missed several short birdie putts during her worst showing of the week. She was alone in first place entering the round shooting a 65 and 68, but managed only one birdie in her third trip over the DuPont Country Club course. Pak started the day with a two-stroke lead.

She missed a 15-foot par putt on the first hole, the first of two bogeys in a round that featured 15 pars. 'Today my putting was a problem," she said. Pak saved par on No. 3 after plunking her tee shot in the water. On 6, she hit the pin with her approach before making a 10-foot birdie putt.

It turned out to be her only clutch putt of the day. Hackney, a 30-year-old from Britain, was two over for the day before a birdie on 11 sparked a stretch that lifted her into a share of the lead. "It was just a matter of being patient and not pushing to make the birdies," she said. "I felt they would start coming, and that's how it worked out." Emilee Klein, Wendy Ward and Donna Andrews were also at 207. Klein shot 68, while Ward and Andrews had 69s.

Walters was only one shot back after the first hole, but a stretch of three bogeys over four holes left her four shots off the pace coming of the 6th green. She regrouped to finish the round tied with Kelly Robbins, Meg Mallon and Jane Geddes. Julie Inkster and Tammie Green finished at 210. Couples surges to lead at Nelson IRVING, Texas Fred Couples looked like he was over his Masters hangover, closing the back nine at the steamy Byron Nelson Classic with a 29 to take the third-round lead by two strokes at 14-under-par 196. Couples, who finished second to Mark O'Meara by one stroke at Augusta National last month despite a double bogey on the 13th hole, sprinted from the pack with an eagle on No.

16 and a birdie on the next hole to close with a 63. Harrison Frazar, who had a tap-in birdie on the final hole for a 66, was two strokes behind at 198 and Hal Sutton shot a 68 to be at 199. John Cook was at 200. Defending champion Tiger Woods was sloppy with every phase of his game and shot a 69 to be nine strokes behind at 205. "It was ugly," Woods said after he missed fairways and missed even more putts.

"I didn't play very well. My pace was off on my putting." Couples, Frazar and Sutton had no such problems. Playing in the same threesome, they fed off the energy and good play of each other. "I just kind of got caught in a whirlwind out there," Sutton said after making four birdies and two bogeys. "All three of us just played great." By BILL WARD of The Tampa Tribune TAMPA After a pair of Poles scored against his club and the referee waived off a potential second-half equalizer, Polish-born Tampa Bay Muti-SOCCer.

nyc0achjohn Kowalski must wonder if everyone is against him. Conspiracy or not, Tampa Bay's 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire on Saturday was similar to five other setbacks of one goal or less suffered by the Mutiny this season, most of them at home. As usual, it was a case of missed chances, debatable whistles, untimely injuries, a small crowd at Houlihan's Stadium and frustration all around. Doing the damage to the Mutiny (2-9) this time were Polish standouts Jerzy Podbrozny and Peter Nowak, whose goals ended a five-game losing streak by Chicago (3-5). The two hooked up twice in the match, with Nowak assisting Podbrozny on his 21st-minute goal and Podbrozny returning the favor for the game-winner to Nowak in the 79th minute.

In between, the Mutiny managed a 30th-minute score by Gil-mar, while Steve Ralston saw his apparent goal with less than 14 minutes left negated when the referee ruled he had pushed off from the defender to collect the ball. The Mutiny also missed out on another chance to score when there was no call after Chicago handled the ball in the penalty area. Bottom line: Tampa Bay dropped another game in front of another small home crowd (announced at has now lost six of its last seven games, is firmly rooted in last place of the Eastern Conference while General Manager Nick Sakiewicz offered another "no comment" on the future of his head coach. Meanwhile, the Mutiny saw Gilmar unable to play the second half with a recurring hamstring strain and defender Jan Eriksson, who hasn't played a full match since April 11, left Saturday's game in the first half with a cut to the head requiring 15 stitches. And following an exhibition match Wednesday with English club Leicester City, things get tougher, with back-to-back matches against two-time defending MLS champion D.C.

United. "It's terrible, it's another game we could've won and should've won," Ralston said. "We're just not finishing our chances." For much of the first half, Nowak showed some of the skills that made him captain of Poland's national team and a standout in the German Bundesliga. Deservedly, Nowak's deft passing First half None. Second half 1, Kansas City, Tab awira (Tinsley, Vermillion).

76th minute. 2, Kansas City, Takawira (Wnght). 79th minute. 3, New England, Diaz Acre, 83rd minute. 4, Kansas City, Takawira (Hunjak), 85th minute.

Goalies Kansas City, Ammann; New England, Freuer. A NA MetroStars 4, United 3: At East Rutherford, N.J., Giovanni Sa-varese scored twice as New York-New Jersey stopped D.C. United's winning streak at five. It was just the third loss in 12 games for the two-time MLS champions. 33 D.C.

New York-New Jersey and tireless pace produced the game's first goal when he stole the ball from Mutiny defender Adam Frye just outside Tampa Bay's penalty area and booted a cross to Podbrozny, who slotted it low to the far post. Six minutes later, Tampa Bay equalized. The Mutiny's newly acquired Bolivian international, Mauricio Ramos, made his debut in the second half. Despite just one practice with the club, his pedigree was obvious. Ramos even gave Guiller-mo Jara a crack at the game-winner with a brilliant pass with 4:44 to go.

But Nowak proved to be difference when he collected Pod-brozny's pass, split two defenders into the box and beat Ravelli low to the right post Today we won the match because we had to win," Nowak said. "We played very well and after this five-game losing streak, it was a great win." Tribune correspondent Matthieu Meynier contributed to this report. AP photo Se Ri Pak was not happy about her putting Saturday at the LPGA Championship. That was not the way the day started for Couples. He made bogeys on two of the first four holes and was lucky to make a bogey on No.

4 when trees stopped his ball from going into the water. "It started out like I was going to shoot 78," Couples said. "Then the rest of the day was nothing but birdies." He played the final 14 holes nine under par, making virtually every makable birdie putt he had. Ziegler takes seniors lead BELT0N, Mo. Larry Ziegler had his tee shot on No.

18 bounce out of a creek and finished with a 3-under-par 67 to take a two-shot lead over defending champion Bruce Summerhays in the Saint Luke's Classic. Senior PGA Tour rookie Fred Gibson, who tamed gusty, swirling winds on Friday for a 65, bogeyed Nos. 14, 15 and 16 and skied to a 74 in Saturday's perfect conditions. Summerhays, twice saving par with tough putts on the back side, shot a scrambling 70 and had a two-day total of 138. Tom Wargo had a 68 Saturday and Tom Shaw a 66, and at 139 were the only others under par for the first two rounds.

Ziegler, who's been taking lessons from his son Tony, a golf instructor in Orlando, had four birdies and one bogey. It's the first time he's held the lead going into the final round since the Paine Webber Invitational in 1996, when he finished in a tie for second. Etc. Tie at Dominion Open: At Richmond, three-time PGA Tour winner Mike Sullivan and Bob Burns moved into the lead after three rounds of the Nike Tour's Dominion Open when record-setting No-tah Begay's putting stroke left him. Begay, who tied the U.S professional tour record with a 13-under-par 59 in Friday's second round, needed 15 more shots on his third trip around the Dominion Club.

His 2-over 74 left him one shot off the lead. Sullivan, whose last PGA victory came in the 1994 B.C. Open, shot a 5-under 67 for a 14-under 202 total. Burns, who finished second in Nike events in 1992 and 1993, had a 66, matching the day's best round. First halt 1, NY-NJ.

Savarese. 21st minute. 2, NY-NJ, Rooney. 42nd. Second half 3.

NY-NJ, Hurtado, 47th. 4, NY-NJ. Savarese, 64th. 5, D.C, Sanneh, 71st. 6.

D.C, Lassiter, 76th. 7, D.C, Moreno, 86th. Goalies D.C, Gariick; New York-New Jersey, Meoia. A 15.322 Clash 2, Fusion At San Jose, Ronal Cerritos scored two goals and Andy Kirk posted his first career shutout as San Jose beat Miami. Miami San Jose 0- 0 1 2 First half 1, San Jose, Cerritos (penalty kick), 34th minute.

Second half 2, San Jose, Cerritos (Lawrence Lozzano), 85th minute. Goalies Miami, Cassar; San Jose, Kirk. A NA Etc. FA Cup: At Wembley, England, goals by Dutch forward Marc Overmars and Nicolas A-nelka of France gave Premier League champion Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup championship match. Arsene Wenger of France became the first non-British coach to win both the league and cup titles the same year.

Tribune wires were used in compiling this report. Around the MLS Wizards 3, Revolution 1: At Foxboro, Digital Takawira scored three goals to lead Kansas City to a victory over New England. Takawira, who had yet to score this season, scored three times in a 10-minute span as Kansas City (3-6) snapped a five-game losing streak. The last time Kansas City won was on April 8, in a 1-0 match against Chicago. Dungy a model of coaching i LaFrance 7 TDs give Storm win Tony Dungy's modeling career will kick off this week.

His runway will be a hotel meeting room in Miami. It's difficult to picture Dungy strutting, but he's going to show his wares. The NFL is going to present its version if usr "wmmry; i -w A 11 yf wl X- if) of the model coach and there may not be anyone who fits the description better than Dungy. That's why it should come as no surprise Dungy has been selected as one of the speakers for what the league is calling the First Career Development Symposium. The brainchild Pat Yasinskas THE BUGS PHIL SHEFFIELDTribune photo Storm receiver George LaFrance, middle, gets squeezed by Houston defenders Mitchell Benson, top, and Junior Soli.

"There's really so many things behind the scenes that you have to deal with," Dungy said. "Even as an assistant, you don't realize just how much is involved." But Dungy is a quick learner. Just look at what he's done in two seasons with the Bucs. He turned around the worst franchise in sports. More importantly, he's did it the right way while guiding the Bucs to their first playoff berth in 15 years.

Dungy showed the bad apples (Tyji Armstrong, Lamar Thomas, et al), the door, created a family atmosphere and hired Kevin Winston (a combination social workerolder brother) as Director of Player Programs. In short, it's obvious the league knows Dungy has built the Bucs into a first-class operation on and off the field. If the assistants in attendance are serious, they better take good notes. On the road: Speaking of Dungy and good company, the coach was the guest speaker at the Mt. Olive iAitheran Church All-Sports Banquet in Minneapolis on Friday night.

It may sound like a run-of-the-mill awards ceremony, but the Minnesota event is big lime. Previous guest speakers include Walsh and basketball's Bill Walton. By the way, Bucs backup quarterback Steve Walsh is a native of nearby St. Paul and was honored at the same banquet in 1985 as Minnesota's outstanding athlete. Dungy previously was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

On the road II: Dungy continued to make the off-season rounds Saturday. He was back in Tampa and joined Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn at the grand opening of the Hometown in a Lifetime subdivision. Dungy, Brooks and Dunn presented a $5,000 check from the Bucs to the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the ceremonies. Contact Pat Yasinskas through e-mail at paly3ipniliiiy.nel, by writing to Tribune Sports, P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601, or by calling (813) 259-7979.

TAMPA -Tampa Bay receiver George LaFrahce has nine receptions for 106 yards to lead the Storm to a 56-25 win. By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON of The Tampa Tribune TAMPA Tampa Bay Storm receiver George LaFrance's days as an effective offensive player seemed gone. LaFrance was the Storm's third-leading receiver this season heading into urcxr. Saturday night's game al CI Id against the Houston fOOtbflll Thunderbears, behind two younger players.

Though LaFrance is second in the league in career receptions, receiving yards, total scoring and touchdown catches, the 10-year veteran's days seemed numbered. But when the Storm (2-1) needed an offensive spark after sputtering in a loss to Nashville last week, LaFrance provided a volcanic eruption. LaFrance had nine receptions for 106 yards and seven touchdowns in the Storm's 56-25 victory against the Thunderbears (1-2). His seven touchdowns breaks a personal record (five) set against Texas in 1996 and ties Orlando's Barry Wagner for second-most receptions in a game. The record for most touchdown receptions is nine, set by Albany's Eddie Brown in 1996.

"They were playing zone and we have routs to make adjustments," IFr-ance said. "I've been playing this game for 10 years. It's not like I just got into this game." LaFrance had touchdown receptions of 6, 7, 8, 9, 1, 15 and 30 yards. He also "He's getting belter with age. He's like a fine wine." While LaFrance was picking the Thunderbears apart like cotton candy, the Storm's defense held Houston to its second-lowest point total in team history.

The Thunderbears' record for fewest points is 24, set in 1996, and they avoided breaking that mark by scoring a touchdown with 44 seconds remaining. "We had good pass pressure and a pass rush and he Thunderbears QB Clint Dolezel was picking himself off the ground," Marcum said. "When you do that, you're going to win." He had an unbelievable night. He had a couple of catches that were just fantastic up against the board, twisting around and turning around. He's getting better with age.

He's like a fine wine. Tim Marcum of league consultant George Young, the symposium will be a "how to" on coaching. And a Who's Who? Bill Walsh and Marv Levy also will be speaking during the symposium, which will be held in conjunction with the NFL spring meeting Tuesday and Wednesday. Walsh and Levy. And Dungy? You bet.

Maybe he doesn't have the Super Bowl championships or near misses but Dungy belongs in the same category as two of the game's greatest coaches. Especially in this forum. The audience will include three assistant coaches from each of the teams. The plan is to give the assistants a quick course on being a head coach and help them get ready for the next step. Forget the Xs and Os.

This session will focus on all the other things a coach must do. "George Young wants me to hit on all the unexpected things, all the things I'd do differently if I were starting over again," Dungy said. From the interview process to hiring a staff to setting policies for the media to making public appearances, Dungy plans to share the secrets to his success. 3 9 0 1325 7 21 7 2166 Houston Tampa Bay DeFelice 41 FG TB LaFrance 9 pass from Willis (Nittmo kick) TB LaFrance 6 pass from Willis (Nittmo kick) TB LaFrance 15 pass from Willis (Nittmo kick) Branson 19 pass from Dolezel (kick failed) TB LaFrance 7 pass from Willis (Nittmo kick) H-DeFolice 23 Ffl TB LaFrance 12 pass from Willis (Nittmo kick) TB LaFrance 30 pass from Willis (Nittmo kick) Hall 8 pass from Dolezel (DeFelice kick) TB LaFrance 8 pass from Martin (Nittmo kick) Hall 7 pass from Dolezel (conversion tailed) TB Etfley 3 njn (Nittmo kick) returned three kicks for 75 yards. "He had an unbelievable night," coach Tim Marcum said.

"He had a couple of catches that were just fantastic up against the board, twisting around af turning around..