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AMERICANS DOMINATE NASL SOCCER IN 1979
By John E. deFreitas
Sunday March 25th, 2:30 p.m. at R.F.K. stadium to Washington Diplomats opens its thirty game season against Ft. Lauderdale Strickers in the club's sixth year and the N.A.S.L. 13th season.
The Diplomats are now a completely new team starting with its new owners - Gulf Western Industries, new front office personnel, reorganization, promotion schemes and ten new players to form an all round improved team.
Like the owners (an American Corp.) the Washington Diplomats is moving towards building an American team to attract American spectators.
On the 24 team roster 11 players are Americans - a really impressive number says Sonny Werblin. What the American fans want to see is Americans competing on soccer fields as early as possible and the earlier they get the opportunity to prove their worth the faster the sport will grow in this country and the Diplomats are committed to this process says the President Steve Danzansky.
Coach Gordon Bradley says he is satisfied with his team on paper but he would have had better restful nights had he been able to get the services of Kevin Keegan England's best forward and Daniel Passanella the Argentinan World Cup midfielder. Efforts to get these players next year are still alive says Bradley.
Never-the-less the team had great depth. The team's greatest strength is in the defense with Bill Irwin and Bob Stetler returning in goals.
Bob Ianusci a starter for the Cosmos joins former Cosmos veteran Mike Dillion along with assistance from All American Don Droege and Tommy O'Hara in the full back positions.
At midfield veteran Sakib Viteskic and captain Jim Steele will be assisted by newcomers Rene Baerwort and Joe Horvath.
Wingers include Dany Molendyk, Ken Mokgojoa with assistance from Mike Bakic.
In the absence of Paul Canneld who is recovering from a minor leg operation will be veteran Bobby Stokes.
Two of the oldest players in the entire N.A.S.L. Gary Darvell and Art Welsh are still listed as possible starters.
Local players include forward Sonny Askner of Baltimore his second year with the Dips and defender Kp Germain from Annandale, Virginia.
In the Eastern Division the Dips finished their 1978 season (16-14) second to the mighty Cosmos....