THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, July 11, 1996               TAG: 9607110560
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   40 lines

IT'S DEFINITE: VELKOV WON'T RETURN FOR THIS SEASON

Despite recent rumors to the contrary, sweeper Tony Velkov will not return to the U.S. to play soccer this season.

Velkov anchored the Hampton Roads Mariners' defense until he had to return to his native Bulgaria two weeks ago due to a family illness. The Major League Soccer franchise D.C. United has been trying to get Velkov to return to the U.S. and complete the season in Washington. D.C. United could have then loaned Velkov back to the Mariners for the Select League playoffs.

However, according to Mariners general manager/coach Shawn McDonald, Velkov will remain in Bulgaria with his family.

Under Select League rules, the Mariners have nine days to sign a new sweeper.

LATE ADDITION: McDonald this week cut Sean Walkes and signed forward Shawn Cassella, formerly of the Pro League Albany Alleycats, to a temporary contract.

THE ROAD AHEAD: The Mariners (11-3, 6-2) are in the unusual position of rebounding from a Select League loss. Since losing to Delaware on May 4, they were undefeated in league play until last weekend's 2-1 shootout loss to Tampa Bay.

The Mariners have games remaining tonight and Saturday at home against Raleigh and road games against Connecticut, South Carolina and Carolina.

Last season, the Mariners were leading their division before losing four of their last six games. This year, McDonald expects a different outcome.

``That's not going to happen unless we make it happen,'' he said. ``It all comes down to the end of the season. Either we're up for it or we're not.''

EXCUSED ABSENCE: Sterling Wescott, an attacker for the Mariners, missed the game against Tampa Bay.

His excuse: He had a wedding to attend - his own.

The newlywed returns to the field tonight.

INJURY REPORT: Chris Penny, a defender who has filled the gap at sweeper in recent weeks, suffered a hip contusion against Tampa Bay and will be sidelined tonight and possibly Saturday.

Nate Houser will slip back to cover the position. by CNB