Crow and Assistant Coach Argue at Sockers’ Practice

SAN DIEGO —  Socker defender Kevin Crow and assistant coach Johan Aarnio got into a heated discussion during a scrimmage at practice Tuesday morning.

“Me and Johan had a confrontation,” Crow said. “A lot of words were exchanged back and forth. It’s a good sign. It shows we’re getting the emotion back.”

Said Aarnio: “It will be between Kevin and myself, and we’ll smooth things out. I don’t want to elaborate on it. Our objective is to win on Saturday instead of getting involved in throwing stones in the newspaper.”

The Sockers are coming off two consecutive losses in Kansas City and trail the Comets, 3-1, in the best-of-seven Western Division finals. They will try to stave off elimination in Game 5 Saturday night at Kemper Arena.

Coach Ron Newman said that he talked to Crow after practice and that there will be no fine.

“It was a disagreement,” Newman said. “Those things happen all the time. It was wonderful. It was worth admission.”

As for the overall practice, Newman said: “Elbows were flying. It got real competitive. It was real healthy from my standpoint.”

Socker midfielder Branko Segota said he has signed a contract to play for the Toronto Blizzard of the outdoor Canadian Soccer League this summer. The commitment will not conflict with Segota’s obligation to the Sockers.

Segota’s Socker contract--he is finishing the first year of a three-year deal worth approximately $700,000--specifies that he can play outdoors in the off-season.

Segota will report to the Blizzard by July 15 and will be finished playing with the Blizzard and the Canadian national team by the time Socker training camp opens in the fall.