Sockers’ Segota Could Miss Opener of Finals

Branko Segota, leading the Sockers in playoff points with 13, may not play the opener of the Major Indoor Soccer League championship series Monday night at Baltimore.

Segota reinjured his hamstring Saturday in a 1-0 victory over the Dallas Sidekicks in Game 7 of the semifinal series. The odds Segota will be ready Monday are about 50-50.

“I’d say it’s no better than that,” said Bill Taylor, the Sockers’ trainer. “He’s torn some scar tissue in the same hamstring he’s had trouble with all year.”

The injury occured minutes before Segota scored the winning goal. Taylor said he and Segota discussed the possibility of him coming out of the game but decided to let him try one more shift.

Segota hasn’t practiced this week but is expected to do some light jogging through the weekend.

“He’s basically walking now without pain,” Taylor said. “It’s a day-to-day thing.”