Former Socker Hirmez Agrees to Play for Lazers
Waad Hirmez, a midfielder who helped lead the San Diego Sockers to the Major Indoor Soccer League championship in June, has agreed to a contract to play with the Lazers next season, the Lazers said Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Jim Gorsek, the Sockers’ career leader in victories, is also close to signing a one-year deal with the Lazers, his agent, Scott Simpson, said. Gorsek said he couldn’t comment on the deal because he is still under a guaranteed contract with the Sockers.
Hirmez, 26, became a free agent after scoring 24 points--more than any other player--during this year’s MISL playoffs. Hirmez scored three goals in the Sockers’ 7-4 victory over Cleveland in Game 4 of the MISL championship series that clinched San Diego’s sixth indoor title in seven years.
“Waad proved himself as a capable goal scorer and I also like his defense,†Lazers’ President James Buss said. “I know he’ll come in here and give this club a lift.â€
Hirmez began his indoor career in 1984 with the Sockers and blossomed this season when he was switched from defender to the midfield. He scored 30 goals and had 23 assists during the regular season.
Gorsek, 32, signed with the Sockers in 1981 and became the team’s career leader in victories with 84. He was 21-8 last season. Because of the league’s new $898,000 salary cap, it has become almost impossible for San Diego to re-sign him. Simpson said Wednesday a deal has already been struck with the Lazers.
