Sockers Pick Up Ex-Tacoma Star John Barretta as Backup Goalie

SAN DIEGO —  Hubert Birkenmeier could not get a release from his club soccer team to join the Sockers, but San Diego appears to have found a backup goalkeeper in former Tacoma Star John Barretta.

The Sockers have been looking for a backup goalkeeper since Jim Gorsek fractured the middle finger on his left hand in last Friday’s game against Tacoma. Gorsek will be on the disabled list for three more games.

Socker Coach Ron Newman said he spoke with Barretta Thursday night and expects Barretta to arrive in San Diego today or Saturday. The Sockers, who trail the Stars, two games to one, in the best-of-seven Western Division finals, play back-to-back games Saturday in San Diego and Sunday in Tacoma.

Barretta, who has been playing outdoor soccer in Edmonton, was 7-10 with a 5.35 goals-against average last season with the Stars. In one game with the Los Angeles Lazers this season, Barretta allowed three goals on five shots in 5 minutes and 33 seconds.

Earlier Thursday, the Sockers learned that Birkenmeier could not get a release from the club team he is playing for in the German-American League in New York. His team plays in the championship game next weekend. The Sockers only wanted Birkenmeier on loan for this weekend’s games.

“It’s bloody ridiculous,” Newman said. “He’s dying to come, but he’s been paid by that club through June.”