The Evening Sun from Baltimore, Maryland • 28

C6 THE EVENING SUN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1991 7T BLAST PLAYER PROFILES Compiled by Sandra McKee reer. Mettrick posted career-best offensive numbers (7 9 A) last season while playing defense. YEARS IN MSL: 12 COACHING RECORD: 374-277 DIVISION TITLES: 5 CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 AGE: 46 COMMENT: Suffered through NUMBER: 9 YEARS IN MSL 1 HEIGHT: 5-8 WEIGHT: 145 AGE: 22 ft'L his one ana only losing season 1 t. i I COMMENT: A rookie from Loy- f- 1: rfff last year, and has vowed to turn I A the team around with young and Li tk LA physically strong players. "The good old days of rock and roll are coming back to the Arena, I promise you Cooper says, as he gears his squad for the coming 40-game season.

4 wo wuiicycj, miiioi 19 who ui 1110 Blast's quickest players. He has a nose for the ball and he will be giv en a chance to show what he can C3 do, as the Blast tries to pick up the pace this season. May see some action as a defensive runner. He's the sixth Loyola player to make Blast roster. I NUMBER: 12 I YEARS IN MSL 3 I HEIGHT: 5-7 I WEIGHT: 155 I AGE: 26 COMMENT: Castro is a spirited NUMBER: 18 YEARS IN MSL 4 HEIGHT: 6-0 addition to the Blast.

The former -7 San Diego Socker has skill, speed and scorina punch. He has im- wtium: IO .1 nrnued each of last two seasons Vl O. hm COMMENT: Mobilio returns 5 pounds lighter from an MVP Ca- and is expected to hit his full stride this year. On a line with former Sockers teammate Waad Hirmez and the Blast's leading goal scorer, Domenic Mobi I padian outdoor season with the li -iNlVancouver 86ers, with whom he set an outdoor scoring record with lio. Castro should be dynamite.

The Major Soccer League wiH operate with a one-division format due to the folding of the Kansas City Comets, which left the league with seven teams. Four teams will make the playoffs, with the No. 1 finisher playing No. 4 and No. 2 playing No.

3. The MSL, however, will still have East and West All-Star teams for the mid season classic, with Baltimore, Cleveland and Dallas making up the East and St Louis, San Diego, Tacoma and Wichita the West Here is how The Evening Sun predicts the regular-season finish. CLEVELAND (last season 29-23, East champ): The Crunch returns 10 from last season's Eastern Division champion, which lost to San Diego in the championship series. Zoran Karic (73 goals, 48 assists). Hector Marinaro (63, 44) Michael King (46, 17) and Andy Schmetzer (28, 17).

return to an offense that scored a record 322 goals last season. Meanwhile, the defense is solid with goalkeeper PJ. Johns surrounded by George Fernandez, Gregg Willin, Marco Rizi, Theo Kulsdom and free-agent addition Chico Moreira from Wichita. In addition, veteran All-Star midfielder Kai Haaskivi is working on a comeback from knee surgery. ST.

LOUIS (32-20, runner-up in West): Storm coach Don Popovic attracted Preki to St. Louis last season. This year, San Diego star Branko Segota comes on board. Where Segota goes, championships follow. He is the only man in the MSL to own nine championship rings: three from the New York Arrows days (1979-1982) and six with the Sockers.

Besides Preki (68 53 A) and Segota (26-27 in 33 games), the offense is enhanced by Ted Eck (27, 20) and Kevin Hundelt (29, 15), both former Kansas City Comets, and two National Professional Soccer League players, Mirko Castillo (63, 30 with Chicago) and George Pastor (53, 20 with Milwaukee). The defense is in the masterful hands of playerassistant coach Fernando Clavi-jo, Mark Frederickson, Greg Muhr and goalkeeper Zoltan Toth. SAN DIEGO (34-18, West champ, MSL champion): Uh-oh. Sockers coach Ron Newman is complaining the inexperience of his team could 'put us in a similar position as last year when we lost all our defense." It was such a big problem, the Sockers won their ninth indoor championship. If Newman comes to terms with midfielder Brian Quinn, who wants to continue his indoor career while playing for the U.S.

National team, San Diego could roll, despite the loss of Paul Wright, Rod Castro, Waad Hirmez and Segota. On board are All-Stars Tim Wittman (30 24 A in 33 games) from the Blast and Thompson Usiyan (64, 38), acquired in the Segota trade with St. Louis. Returning are Paul Dougherty (43, 19) and Wes Wade (21, 15). Playoff MVP midfielder Ben Collins is back, as is All-Star defender Kevin Crow.

Goalkeeper Victor Nogueira led the league in everything: games played 47, saves 569, goals-against average 4.37, and wonlost record 31-16. BALTIMORE (21-31, tied for last In East): After missing the playoffs for the first time in team history, the Blast shook up its roster. Gone are veterans Tim Witt- man, Scott Manning, Richard Chinapoo, Bruce Savage and Dale Mitchell. Veteran defender Michael Reynolds died after suffering a stroke during a volley-ball game that was part of a team appearance last July. Coach Kenny Cooper is taking a defense-first approach, and given the offensive philosophy everywhere else, it might not be a bad idea.

All-Star defender lain Fraser comes in from Kansas City, as does Doug Neely. From St. Louis come defenders David Eise and Emil Dragicevic. Former Tacoma goalkeeper Cris Vaccaro replaces Manning. As for the offense: Leading goal scorer Domenic Mobilio (49 33 A) returns, as do midfielders Billy Ronson (33, 68) and Rusty Troy (28, 16).

They will be bolstered by Rod Castro and Waad Hirmez of the Sockers. DALLAS SIDEKICKS (20-32, last in West): For the first time in franchise history, Dallas has a blazing two-gun attack. Tatu, the indomitable, returns for his eighth season as the MSL's leading scorer (78 66 A for 144 points), with Jan Goossens, last season's No. 4 scorer (53, 58) with the Kansas City Comets, provid-ing the double shot. Kevin Smith (30, 38) also returns up front and David Doyle (12 4 A in 15 games) is attempting to come back from a broken leg.

Joe Papaleo, 30, continues in goal, with former Blast keeper Hank Henry as backup. The defense is manned by Wes McLeod, Mike Uremovich, Mike Powers and Troy Snyder. Veteran Richard Chinapoo will help at midfield and on defense. TACOMA (25-27, third In West): The Stars stayed in contention last season -with tenacious defense from Ralph Black, Joe Waters, Neil Megson and Fred Thompson. They're back and this season they're going to have help on offense.

Tacoma now has a big scorer in Dale Mitchell (42 40 A). With the addition of midfielder Carl Valentine from Kansas City, the Stars have, perhaps, the premier playmaker in the league. With Cris Vaccaro joining the Blast, the one big question mark was goalkeeper. But coach Keith Welter fixed that with the addition of Mike Dowler from Kansas City. WICHITA (21-31, tied for last in East): The Wings' fans rallied to buy more than 5,000 season tickets to save the franchise.

Now the team will try to make the investment pay off Leading scorers Dale Ervine (62 30 A), Chico Borja (29, 41) and David Byrne (1 6, 21 are back, joined by talented Dan Donigan (24, 1 9), who has come over from St Louis. Add stellar Kim Roentved, formerly of Kansas City, to the defensive mix of Terry Rowe, Danny Pena and Jim McGeough and the Wings begin to take flight. Kris Peat returns in goal. 25 goals. That performance on top of last season's 49-goal workout with the Blast has fed his confidence.

Newcomers Castro and Hirmez will work to get him the ball in the box, where he is one of the league's best finishers. His maturity shows. I NUMBER: 21 I YEARS IN MSL: 3 I HEIGHT: 5-10 I WEIGHT: 165 I AGE: 31 COMMENT: A baby-faced defender, Dragicevic makes forwards pay for everything they get. He iikes to play hard-nosed, man-to-man defense. The Yuaoslavian I NUMBER: 15 I YEARS IN MSL: 4 I HEIGHT: 5-11 native had a celebrated 10-year outdoor career De-fore switching to the indoor game.

He comes to the Blast from St. Louis, where he was an unsung hero. He's quick and a solid ball handler, which can only WEIGHT: 160 i IMAGE: 26 COMMENT: Neely joins the TV 1 Blast after two seasons in Kansas jCity. Known for his speed, high work rate, man-to-man marking mS 'Uand consistency, he is capable of neip tne mast revampea aeiense. Is going forward.

A physical defender, he continues to improve. Can be recognized easily because of his long blond hair. NUMBER: 14 YEARS IN MSL: 4 HEIGHT: 5-7 WEIGHT: 150 AGE: 26 COMMENT: St. Louis was not happy to lose Eise, a solid defensive weapon with the Storm. The St.

Louis native has good passing NUMBER: 7 ability ana aetensive skiiis, lines I YEARS IN MSL 7 I HEIGHT: 5-4 I WEIGHT: 140 AGE: 34 the rough stuff and adds speed. Eise will play on a line with former St. Louis teammate Dragicevic. Retouched Blast may be classic BLAST, From CI as Cooper began working on a canvas be hopes will turn out to be a masterpiece. The first brush stroke: Rebuilding with hard-hitting defenders and a solid goalkeeper.

With veteran Mike Stankovic serving as the anchor, in comes All-Star Iain Fraser, consistent Doug Neely, hard-hitting Emil Dragicevic and speedy David Eise. They are mirror images of each other skillful ballhandlers, capable of scoring, each with the ability to make opposing offenses pay. "We're ready to get out of training camp," says forward Rusty Troy, who is happy to open the Major Soccer League season tomorrow night against Dallas, 7:35, in the Baltimore Arena. "It's tough to play against these guys every day. They kick you and you want to kick them back." With the arrival of those four defenders and goalkeeper Cris Vacca-ro, the defense looks decidedly able.

It is a situation which allows veteran Mark Mettrick to move from the back to his natural position at mid-field, where his passing ability will be used to good advantage on a line with Troy and Billy Ronson. Next, on Cooper's pallet: Reloading the offense, with power and balance. The offense already had finesse with Domenic Mobilio, consistency with Ronson and persistence with Troy. All-Star Waad Hir-mez adds the balance with bis big left foot. And Rod Castro brings play-making talent and skill.

"We're going to be the team that dictates the pace," says Mobilio. "Our defense is quicker and that will make our offense go forward quicker. We're going to catch people by surprise." Suddenly a team that looked out of sync in the MSL, where everyone else is going for offensive power, looks in step for the future. "It's going to take time," Cooper cautions. "It's going to take patience.

We're going to make mistakes, but we're going to put life back in the game. The pieces are starting to come into focus and over the long haul, I think it's going to work." The final stroke: Rekindling enthusiasm for the game, team spirit and unity. In the end, this may be the masterstroke that holds Cooper's new work of art together. "There are no superstars nor anyone who thinks he's a superstar on this team," says Ronsort. "This year's team gets along.

No one minds laughing at each other or at themselves. It's a nice change. If something happens, everyone laughs instead of pointing fingers. "I've never experienced this kind of team here in the states," says the 5-foot-4 midfielder. "It's almost like an English side, with everyone kidding around." Ronson is not alone in his assessment.

Mobilio, who has led the Blast's scoring attack the last two seasons, describes the atmosphere as "a breath of fresh air." Defender Doug Neely recalls how his teammates in Kansas City "just went through the motions. Not like here, where everyone is excited even in practice." And Hirmez, who is the team's most boisterous player, says, "It can only be healthy to have a good time at work." But that doesn't mean they're not serious. "We all know there is a time to be focused and concentrated," says Castro. "But you need a little humor to let off steam. The test will come when we hit a low point.

Then we'll see if the humor can be maintained. I think the attitude we have will help us through the rough times." Cooper's new canvas goes on display for the first time tomorrow. The 40-game season will determine whether it's a masterpiece. Blast to honor Reynolds Mike Reynolds, the Blast defender who died of a stroke on July 1, will be honored before the start of tomorrow night's game. The Blast will retire Reynolds' jersey No.

3 permanently and will rename its Unsung Hero Award, each year presenting the Mike Reynolds Trophy to the player who shows the most skill, courage and love for the game, without due publicity and recognition. The players also will have his initials and number stitched on their uniform sleeves. I COMMENT: One of the top llllllTlllllllllll Blast veterans, Ronson is very skillful. Coming off the best season of his career (35 33 A), he's still capable of upsetting defend wmrtr NUMBER: 6 YEARS IN MSL: 6 HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 165 AGE: 27 COMMENT: Fraser is coming ers with his pesky defense and his water-bug mobility around the floor. Also quite talented at keeping his teammates loose with his unexpected pranks.

off an All-Star season with the Kansas City Comets. He was the J-f, Comets Defensive Player or tne Year two years running and is a U.S. World Cup Team vs. Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea National Team key addition. A physical defender, he is not afraid to hit or be hit.

He also can score, turning in the best I NUMBER: 37 I YEARS IN MSL: 1 I HEIGHT: 5-11 offensive performance of his career last season with 14 goals and 11 assists. GameX Wi WEIGHT: 165 AGE: 25 COMMENT: Coming off an All-Star season with the Maryland Bays of the American Professional Soccer League, Sloan could be a diamond in rough in his first in Sat, Oct. RFK Stadium, Wash. DC World Class Soccer is on its way to 'I i A I NUMBER: 11 I YEARS IN MSL 8 I HEIGHT: 5-8 I WEIGHT: 175 I AGE: 30 I COMMENT: This former San door season. Has high work rate, shows much movement off the ball and has fine touch and balance.

Defensively he's sound. the USA. And our US World Cup Team will be up against the best of the world in a thrilling 12 game series. Ticket Now on Sale: Diego Socker brings his jewel box full of championship rings (six) 4and his soccer ability to the Blast. 'Fans should love his showman RFK Stadium Box Office TicketMaster Outlets (including all Washington area Hecht's Stores) For information Croup Sales: (202) 544-6567 NUMBER: 5 PfaooeChartfe: Washington Area, (202) 432-0200 1 ship, as he pounds the Plexiglas after goals.

His Blast teammates will love his production 43 goals, 20 assists last season. And the opposition will hate his powerful left foot. Baltimore Area, (301) 481-6000 AtiericanAirlines' YEARS IN MSL: 11 HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 175 AGE: 34 COMMENT: New role as assistant coach has revitalized Stankovic. He's providing leadership to young players and direction to new ones. Still a very physical de World Series of Soccer.

U.S. Soccer World Cup Style, I NUMBER: 19 I YEARS IN MSL: 1 I HEIGHT: 6-1 I WEIGHT: 175 I AGE: 22 I COMMENT: The Blast's No. 1 fender, with sharp elbows, he remains a long-range scoring threat with accurate shots off either foot. ft -ai draft choice, Kelderman was durable at Virginia, where he played in all 24 games last season and wound up as the fourth-leading CZ32 $8 A scorer in team history (24 22 A for .76 points). An All-American, his size and strength are assets, along with his solid shot.

NUMBER: 4 YEARS IN MSL: 4 HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 195 AGE: 25 COMMENT: Troy came to camp 1 0 pounds lighter than a year ago. After filling gaps on defense for several seasons, Troy developed as a target man. He had a career- NUMBER: 8 Automatic, Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Tilt Wheel, Driver's Side Airbag, AMFM Stereo, Split Fold Down Rear Seat, Full Size Spare, Dual Mirrors, Intermittent Wipers, Full Wheel Covers. Stock 22034. All Weather Guard Package, Rear Window Defroster More.

Stk. 1483. I 1 I YEARS IN MSL: 3 I HEIGHT: 5-8 I WEIGHT: 155 best 28 goals and 16 assists last year and will continue to play there. Offers strength, tenacity and size, and he needs to continue the scoring knack he has shown in preseason. 'ffi'ttaa? "1 AGE: 24 COMMENT: After spending the last two years with Cleveland, Ko-ziol brings experience, confidence and toughness to the Blast.

He has shown ability to go for the goal with good pace. A native of Passaic, N.J., he helped lead Loyola College to three NCAA tournament bids. His older brother, Stan, played with the Blast in '88-89. All Weather Guard Package. Stock 1501.

I NUMBER: 0 I YEARS IN MSL: 12 I HEIGHT: 6-0 I WEIGHT: 175 I AGE: 33 Air Conditioning, Power Steering, AMFM Stereo Cassette with 4 Speakers, All Weather Guard Pockoae Including Rear Window Oefog-ger. Stock 2)018. i COMMENT: Vaccaro started nis i i career here In 1980 and now re-7 Iturns with what may be the ft I strongest arm in the league. Of- Ljfers pinpoint accuracy and excel Plus Freight, Taxes Tags Additional. All Units Subject To Prior Sale, Con from Iho Blast Player This year Joe Barger Local business Richard Chinapoo Dallas Dominic Feltham Ret.

to England Chris Indefinite Hank Henry Dallas Scott Loyola College Dale Mitchell Tacoma Angelo Harrisburg, NPSL Bruce Savage U.S. National team Chris Simon Local business David Vaudreuil Harrisburg, NPSL TlmWittman San Diego NUMBER: 20 YEARS IN MSL 4 HEIGHT: 5-10 WEIGHT: 170 AGE: 27 COMMENT: Mettrick has moved from defense, where he had become a mainstay, to his old college position at midfield. He has shown power and speed, putting i' lent foot work, which means his ability to play the ball with his feet should help relieve defensive pressure on his teammates. A three-time All-Star, he played with Tacoma last season and is coming off what many consider the best year of his career (470 saves, 4.65 goals-against average, 22-22 record). I runnel on the finest training camp performance of his ca-.