THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 22, 1996 TAG: 9606220391
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 53 lines
What has gotten into the Hampton Roads Mariners?
Almost every week this season, the Mariners have lost a star player to injury or eligibility. Team captain and forward Wayne Pratt is out for the year. So is goalkeeper Michael Oehlmann. Steve Provan may return for the playoffs. Darren Eales has yet to dress out and Mike Guerrero has not touched the ball since the opening game.
Yet, Hampton Roads has climbed to an 8-2 record, 4-1 in the Select League, including wins over high-caliber league opponents South Carolina and Richmond.
``This is the make-or-break time for most teams,'' Hampton Roads coach Shawn McDonald said. ``The initial excitement is over and the season has gone on long enough where people get injured and things happen. I feel that after a rough start, we've turned things around and sustained it.''
With each player loss, McDonald has filled the void with a new recruit or a D.C. United player - something Richmond apparently chose not to do with Jesse Marsch.
Marsch, a developmental player who practices with United and joins the Mariners for games, was originally offered to Richmond. The Kickers were reportedly solid at midfield, Marsch's collegiate position, and passed on the U-23 National Team player. McDonald put him in at forward. After playing in seven games, Marsch leads the Mariners in scoring with eight goals.
Goalkeeper Matt Olson also trickled down from United. He has allowed only six goals in just under 800 minutes for a league-low goals against average.
This weekend, the Mariners will be without sweeper Tony Velkov, who returned to Bulgaria due to an illness in his family.
SUDDEN ATTACK: Injuries and a heavy schedule gave several Mariners extra playing minutes in the past few games. One player grabbed the starting opportunity and became a key force for 90 minutes each game.
``I think Danny Creech has really proved himself,'' McDonald said. ``He has become a durable player and has held up very well.''
Creech has been a crucial role player all season, entering the game in the second half and immediately posting an aggressive attack. Against Richmond, he played the entire game, then netted the needed shot to keep the Mariners alive in the shootout.
``I hope (my role) is changing,'' Creech said. ``That's what I've been looking forward to, an opportunity to start. I think my role is more of a leadership one. My being vocal on the field is going to help the team.''
WALKES ON: Forward Sean Walkes of Trinidad could debut with the Mariners tonight. Walkes was recruited two months ago for his ability to finish. At the time, Hampton Roads was shooting often but scoring seldom. Since their 1-0 loss to Delaware, however, the Mariners attack has solidified. Hampton Roads has outscored opponents 37-7 in the last 10 outings.
NEW FACES, NEW PROGRAMS: Hampton Roads releases its new programs tonight with updated rosters and biographies of the players. The schedule, however, is still incomplete - the Mariners have scheduled another exhibition game Wednesday against Delaware. by CNB