Soccer Corner Magazine June 1978 Issue

Be sure to Click on photos to see the full sized Image Gallery. There is some great editorial content we made sure to photograph so viewers can read it.

In this issues edition of “NASL Notebook” much is made of Shep Messing and his move to the Oakland Stompers. Additionally, popular former New York Cosmos midfielder, Ramon Mifflin, signed with the Los Angeles Aztecs. The San Diego Sockers signed a guy named Juli(e) Veee who had briefly played in Belgium after stints in Los Angeles and San Jose. Veee went on to be the icon of the Sockers first indoor soccer dynasty.

“ASL Outlook” focuses on the 45th season of the second circuit. Sacramento Spirit players Lee Atack, Daniel Mammana and Wolfgang Gartner are shown celebrating their 1977 playoff win over the Los Angeles Skyhawks. A pull quote notes: “This promises to be the best season ever for the Skyhawks”. Moving along there are team-by team features and notable names include ASL All-Star Tony Douglas and coach Derek Lawthor (California Sunshine). Coach Manfred Schellscheidt (New Jersey Americans) and the New York Eagles new Argentinian signing, Roberto Villaverdi.

“ASL Outlook” is capped off with a full feature on “The Year of the Skyhawk”. Featuring new owner (Bob Nordskog), New coach (Peter Bryan) and popular players Doug McMillan, Alan Sproates, Jim Rolland and Jimmy Hinch.

Lastly, American Soccer League (ASL) Commissioner, Bob Cousy, talks about Americanising the teams through the ASL Draft. Teams and draft choices are listed.

World Cup historians will appreciate Lou Gautier’s detailed previews leading up to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Gautier rightly picked Argentina to win it all. Argentina’s first World Cup.

Vancouver Whitecaps fans will appreciate a feature on the “other” Lenarduzzi, Sam Lenarduzzi, “Canada’s Most-hated Soccer Player”

And to wrap it all up, a feature on the “New” San Diego Sockers. The Baltimore Comets/San Diego Jaws/Las Vegas Quicksilvers franchise finally found a home in San Diego. The name “Sockers” at first seemed contrived and hokey, but it became (and still is) the most respected name in Indoor soccer (and still is today).