THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 15, 1995 TAG: 9504150431
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Two weeks ago, the Hampton Roads Mariners soccer team welcomed the Delaware Wizards to the area for a friendly exhibition.
Tonight, the Mariners hope to be a little less hospitable.
Hampton Roads will play its first game as a fully professional team in the United Systems of International Soccer Leagues at 7:30 p.m. against the Wizards at the Center For Effective Learning in Virginia Beach.
Although each team is familiar with the other's style of play, Mariners coach Sonny Travis doesn't expect the preview to give his team much of an advantage.
``Delaware is going to add five players from the (National Pro Soccer League),'' Travis said. ``They're going to have a different look, and they'll be a tough opponent.''
Although Hampton Roads came out on top in the exhibition, 1-0, on a goal by Wayne Pratt, the Wizards can throw a new look at the Mariners with the addition of midfielder Chris Morgan and defender Lance Johnson from the Baltimore Spirit of the NPSL. Morgan and Johnson were teammates in Baltimore with Mariners defender Chris Love.
Three other NPSL players will join the Wizards in the coming weeks. In addition, Delaware has added English forward Matt Ford, a four-year starter at Lock Haven University who is making his professional debut in the United States.
While Hampton Roads might have to contend with a few unknown quantities on the field, Travis is more interested in how his own players perform.
``I'll be looking at how far we've progressed as a team,'' he said. ``Our attack and team defense, especially.''
Travis isn't the only one looking forward to getting the season under way.
``We're itching to get out there and play,'' said midfielder Mark Waite. ``We're sick of kicking each other in practice.''
With an upgrade to professional players from last year's amateur-status roster, the Mariners hope to attract a wider fan base with an improved caliber of play.
The USISL has experimented with several rules - such as the kick-in and seventh-team-foul rule - in order to generate interest. But for fans, excitement means goals, and lots of them. To that end, the Mariners have assembled a fleet-footed front line that is bound to give opposing defenses fits.
Pratt, last year's leading scorer, returns at forward along with new signee Darren Eales, the 1994 Ivy League Player of the Year and a first team All-American at Brown.
Waite and Brandon Ward will join the attack from the midfield, while Love, Matt Kirk and other defenders will join in on the offensive rush from the back.
``Our defense is solid, but I'm an attack-type coach. I like to send the numbers in,'' said Travis. ``I think we're going to score some goals this year.'' by CNB