THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 14, 1996 TAG: 9606140748
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 40 lines
There is nothing simple about the rules governing the schedules for the United System of Independent Soccer Leagues. The Hampton Roads Mariners will play two games against USISL opponents this weekend - both are exhibitions.
That's because the Mariners play 28 games, four more than the USISL allows toward a team's overall record. According to Scott Debolt of the USISL, the Mariners and other Select League teams can play 18 Select League opponents for the standings.
Then there are ``non-league games,'' up to six games that are played against opponents from the USISL's Pro or Premier leagues.
However, non-league games can turn into league games if they are used as designated makeups. If a regular-season game is canceled, a non-league game then takes its place.
For the Mariners, who are 3-1, such a situation will mean an additional win. The Mariners' scheduled game against select opponent Long Island was canceled earlier this season. The two teams could have made the game up, but chose not to. So one of the Mariners' three non-league away wins will be added to the standings just prior to the playoffs.
The Mariners have four ``exhibition'' games during the season: a victory over Charleston, last weekend's upset over league-leading South Carolina, and this weekend's games against Lexington and Wilmington.
Hampton Roads also has played all but one of its non-league games. The remaining contest will be against Pro League member Roanoke July 3.
The reason for the extra games is simple: extra money.
``Certain teams . . . want as many games as they can,'' Debolt said. ``Hampton Roads is one of those teams that is fortunate enough to make money every time it opens the gate.''
General manager/coach Shawn McDonald said the extra games helps to keep reserve players sharp.
``By playing more games you actually get more playing time for your reserves,'' McDonald said. ``If you play only one game a week, you really have to play your best players.'' by CNB