For two hours Tuesday night, Chicago Stadium becomes a gallery of shooting stars.
The seventh Major Indoor Soccer League All-Star game offers some of the best gunners the sport has ever seen. Western Division sharpshooters include Steve Zungul of Tacoma, Branko Segota of Tacoma and Wichita`s Erik Rasmussen. Marksmen for the Eastern Division include Karl-Heinz Granitza and Drago Dumbovic of the Sting and Dallas` Tatu.
The West leads the East 257-247 in total goals scored this season. But the four West forwards have outscored their five East counterparts 133-127 and lead in average goals scored per player 33-25.
”We`re not very shy when it comes to shooting,” said Segota. ”Our division looks good. I think there will be a lot of goals, but with Stan Stamenkovic out, I think we have more firepower.”
Stamenkovic. A name synonymous with the All-Star MVP award. The Baltimore ace captured the honor the last three seasons. After aggravating a chronic right knee injury, Stamenkovic was replaced on the East roster by Dumbovic, who was named MISL offensive player of the week Monday. Peter Ward of Cleveland will start in Stamenkovic`s place.
”We`re the underdogs,” said Tatu, who leads the league with 41 goals.
”Stamenkovic is great, and we`ll miss him a lot, but we have some good players who will be trying to score.”
One certainty is a new MVP. Zungul, who owns most scoring records and has captured a bundle of awards, has never been an All-Star MVP.
”I don`t need a car,” kidded Zungul, alluding to the MVP prize. ”Me not getting an MVP award is a record. There`s so many other good players here. I`m sure someone will come up.”
Some believe league owners could come up with a plan to oust commissioner Frank Dale when the board of directors meeting continues Tuesday. He`s been under fire since shortly after he took office last May.
”I`d be surprised if it happened,” said Dale. ”The issue came up during our last meeting, but I thought it was resolved. It`s not on the agenda, but it could come up. These things happen. I do have a contract.”
Could a settlement be made on Dale`s multiyear contract?
”I won`t be bought out,” Dale said. ”I`m committed. I`m not leaving the position.”
