Playing San Diego, the winningest team in the Major Indoor Soccer League, may be just what the Sting needs Wednesday night at the Stadium.
In Sunday night`s loss to lowly Dallas, its only home defeat of the season after 14 victories, the Sting (18-10) proved it plays to the level of its competition. Four of the Sting`s losses have been to losing teams.
”We just have a problem with teams who don`t want to mix it up with us,” said coach Willy Roy. ”Teams like Dallas, the Cosmos and Kansas City drop five back on defense and give us trouble. It`s really not a case of a better team versus a lesser team. We`re a good team, but not a super team.”
San Diego (22-7) is led by forward Steve Zungul, who holds most MISL goal and point-scoring records. Zungul, with 38 goals and 38 assists, trails Sting captain Karl-Heinz Granitza (46-35-81) by five points in the battle for the scoring lead.
”For both teams, it will depend on how the two of us play,” said Zungul. ”Match-ups like these lead to good soccer and team victories.”
Granitza, who lost last season`s North American Soccer League indoor scoring race to Zungul, has never won a scoring title. In six seasons of indoor play, Zungul has finished second only once.
”I don`t think a scoring title or having the lead at stake should make the difference,” Granitza said. ”I just want to go out and be the same leader I have been for the last 28 games. I want to inspire my teammates and fight like crazy.
”Yes, we are two very, very important players for the league. Either can score at any moment. But now I will sacrifice the points just to beat them.” Roy has been trying to make trades since losing midfielder Gerry Gray
(fractured right shin) and forward Pato Margetic (right knee surgery). He indicated Tuesday that he is close to a deal for Cosmos` defender Dan Canter. ”We`re all set with the Cosmos. It`s just up to Canter and his agent, David Kessler,” said Roy. Sources indicate the Sting will send a forward and cash to the Cosmos.
Canter, an MISL all-star, said Tuesday night: ”Yes, I want to play in Chicago. The money is not the same, but I have to weigh it with the stability and credibility of the Sting franchise.”
