For the second time in three days, the Sting faced a Major Indoor Soccer League division leader. As it did the first time, the Sting played well but lost–and by the same score.
Sunday`s opponent was the Eastern Division-leading Baltimore Blast. Baltimore showed why it has won 10 of its last 12 matches, scoring a 5-4 victory in front of 11,515.
All-Star forward Stan Stamenkovic figured in all the Blast`s goals, scoring three and assisting on the others. The first goal was his 450th point in the MISL, and the second goal was the 200th of his career. Tim Wittman scored twice for Baltimore (17-10).
Drago Dumbovic, playing his second game for the Sting (9-16), scored twice and had one assist. He had a goal and an assist in Friday`s loss to San Diego at the Stadium. Karl-Heinz Granitza and Ben Collins had the other Sting goals Sunday. Granitza`s was his 20th.
After trailing 3-0, the Sting had numerous chances to not only tie but win. Crossbars and posts played as important a role for Baltimore as did goalkeeper Scott Manning. At least six Sting shots found metal rather than twine.
”We play well and walk away with another loss,” said Sting coach Willy Roy. ”Silly mistakes led to their first three goals and we have to fight back. We had enough opportunities to win.”
Victor Nogueira, who had missed three games with a sore shoulder, started in goal for the Sting, but Roy switched to Hubert Birkenmeier with the score 3-0. Birkenmeier was outstanding, stopping 14 Blast blasts. He was named defensive star of the game.
”Things just weren`t happening with Victor,” Roy said. ”I think the move turned out to be excellent. Hubert was outstanding.”
Another excellent move by Roy was switching Dumbovic and defender Chico Moreira to the first line with Granitza. Midfielder Manny Rojas suffered a hamstring injury early in the second half, forcing Roy to juggle his lines.
The Dumbovic-Granitza combination reminded observers of perhaps the Sting`s greatest pair, Granitza and Pato Margetic. There was Dumbovic, with speed and agility, dribbling and passing to Granitza, who was making the most of the top-notch service from his linemate.
”I needed quickness up front and on defense,” said Roy. ”The unit created opportunities. Drago played extremely well.”
