8 Sockers Back Union Plan

Sockers players, at least the eight still in town, got together Saturday night to discuss the MSL owners’ demand to reduce the salary cap by $105,000 to $550,000 and their union’s counter of a $600,000 ceiling.

They voted unanimously to support the union’s position.

Previously, it appeared Sockers’ players had acquiesced to the owners’ wishes when goalie Victor Nogueira sent the league a fax stating that the team, contrary to what union representatives had said, accepted the owners’ pay cut.

“The meeting emphasized that all the problems were due to a lack of communication between union representatives and the players,” said Rod Castro, who will act as a go-between for Sockers’ representative Waad Hirmez and the rest of the players. “All the guys who before were for the owners’ proposal, are now against that proposal.”

Owners have scheduled a Monday conference call to discuss the situation.

BASEBALL

Right-hander Damon Vinje struck out two, allowed only five hits and an earned run as Escondido (22-4) beat Conejo, 6-2, in the first round of the American Legion State playoffs being held in Yountville.

With one out and two runners on base, Brian Sandland lined a two-run double to the fence in left-center field to give Escondido an early 2-0 lead.