Sockers Lose Defender Schmetzer, Who Signs Contract With Tacoma

Brian Schmetzer, who played defense for three of the Sockers’ indoor championship teams, signed a two-year contract Wednesday to play with the Tacoma Stars.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed but Schmetzer’s agent, Scott Simpson, said Schmetzer would be taking only a slight cut from his 1987-88 salary.

“The Sockers offered me a contract, but it wasn’t as good as the one here,” Schmetzer said. “I liked playing in San Diego, but I have to plan for my future.”

Schmetzer is the fourth member off the Sockers’ 1988 MISL championship team to go elsewhere. Goalkeeper Jim Gorsek, midfielder Waad Hirmez and defenseman Fernando Clavijo have signed with the Los Angeles Lazers for next season.