Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 29, 1995 TAG: 9505010010
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Roanoke may not be the most likely spring training site for the franchise player of a professional team, but most afternoons these days you can find Dante Washington honing his skills at one of the soccer fields around town.
Washington, a former Radford All-American and U.S. Olympic team member, plays professionally as a member of the Washington Warthogs of the Continental Indoor Soccer League.
But until the Warthogs' season starts in June, Washington is a charter member of the Roanoke RiverDawgs, a semipro team that begins its inaugural season in the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues tonight against the Myrtle Beach Boys in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
He said playing for the RiverDawgs serves several purposes.
``It's a chance to get back outdoors, which I do miss,'' said Washington, who set 14 Radford scoring records. ``I can get back and play with friends, and play with some guys I don't know but have heard about. I guess it is a form of spring training.''
Doug Fonder, team founder and general manager of the RiverDawgs, added Washington to the roster not only for his soccer abilities but for marketing possibilities. He has a recognizable name that Fonder hopes will attract more fans to games. Washington already is slated for local autograph sessions and radio shows.
``The feeling was he had local flavor from being at Radford and he had national flavor from being on the Olympic team,'' Fonder said. ``I had also heard he was a great person who would be a great image to have even if it was only for the first part of the season.''
While at Radford, Washington led the nation in scoring in 1988 and 1990. He said he hoped his goal-scoring ability could help get the RiverDawgs off on the right foot.
``It's extremely important [to be successful early],'' he said. ``I wouldn't necessarily say do or die, but you have to have a good product to draw fans. What do they say? You never get a second chance to make a first impression.''
Washington knows. He was on the CISL's All-Rookie team last season and was designated as a protected player for the upcoming season with the Warthogs, whose regular season runs from late June to early October.
Washington, whose mug graces the Warthogs' promotional materials, said there was an initial shock in moving from the outdoor game to soccer played inside. The Warthogs play at the USAir Arena on what is basically the Washington Capitals' hockey rink with artificial turf instead of ice.
There are only five players on the field for each team and they're allowed to play the ball off the encircling walls. Washington said it's a form of the game that makes it exciting for fans, but can make players look pretty incompetent.
``Of course you're going to look like a fool because the ball is coming at you at 70 or 80 miles per hour and ricocheting off a wall,'' he said. ``Outdoors you have so much more time to react.''
Indoor soccer is just different.
``Is it pure? Not by any stretch of the imagination,'' Washington said. ``Ask any one of these guys out here if [indoor] is pure soccer and you'll get the same answer. Soccer is supposed to be played outside. It's a free-flowing, beautiful game.''
But don't get him wrong.
``I loved it,'' Washington said. ``Even though it's not soccer from a purist aspect, I still enjoyed playing. You use some of the same skills and there are some things you can do indoors that you can't outdoors. It's hard to describe. ''
Sam Okpodu, the RiverDawgs' coach and a player, said Washington will bring a lot of skills and experience to the young team. His size, speed and ability to screen players off the ball make him a complete player.
``Playing at a higher level definitely helps a lot, too,'' said Okpodu, a native of Nigeria who also is the women's soccer coach at Virginia Tech. ``It's an eye-opener for any player and gives you big experience and exposure. I think he can hold his own on the field and that means a lot.''
But Okpodu will have to find a replacement for Washington, a forward, when he heads to the Warthogs. At this time, there aren't any outdoor soccer leagues in the U.S. that give Washington the opportunities - or the money - the CISL does. Players for the RiverDawgs aren't paid, but receive compensation through housing and appearances.
Local soccer fans will get a chance to form their first impressions of the RiverDawgs May 6 at 7:30 p.m. when they play their home opener against the Columbia Heat.
All home games are scheduled to be played at Cave Spring Junior High School. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. For more information, call 774-0062.
RIVERDAWGS SCHEDULE
Today - at Myrtle Beach Boys, 7:30 p.m.; May 6 - vs. Columbia Heat, 7:30 p.m. May 12 - at Birmingham Grasshoppers, 7:30 p.m.; May 14 -vs. Greensboro Dynamo, 3 p.m.; May 19 - at Raleigh Flyers, 7 p.m.; May 20 - vs. Richmond Kickers, 7:30 p.m.; May 27 - vs. Charlotte Eagles, 7:30 p.m..
June 3 - vs. Washington Mustangs, 7:30 p.m.; June 9 - vs. Raleigh Flyers, 7:30 p.m.; June 17 - at Richmond Kickers, 7:30 p.m.; June 18 - at Hampton Roads Mariners, 3 p.m.; June 25 - vs. Nashville Metros, 3 p.m..
July 1 - vs. Hampton Roads Mariners, 7:30 p.m.; July 2 - at Nashville Metros, 3 p.m.; July 8 - vs. Myrtle Beach Boys, 7:30 p.m.; July 15 - at Pennsylvania Freedom, 7 p.m.; July 16 - at Jersey Dragons, 3 p.m.; July 21 - at Charlotte Eagles, 7:30 p.m.; July 22 - at Columbia Heat, 7:30 p.m.; July 28 - at Washington Mustangs, 7:30 p.m.; July 29 - vs. Birmingham Grasshoppers, 7:30 p.m.
by CNB