Sports Update

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Saturday, May 31, 1997

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Manager gives Tsunami
50-50 chance, at best

It would take about $50,000 to save the Hawaii Tsunami’s fourth season of play as a professional soccer franchise.

Manny Menendez, the team’s general manager and currently its largest investor, said Friday night that he puts the team’s chances of survival at 50-50 at best.

“But it might be more like 60-40 against,” said Menendez, a former U.S. national team player and head of an international business development group with dealings in Asia.

“It’s a very tough economy this year,” he said, after returning from a business trip to China

Menendez said that he will know by next week whether the team will be able to continue as a member of the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL) or will have to fold. He said he is speaking to four potential investors.

The Tsunami played the Los Angeles Fireballs Friday night at Cooke Field and managed a 1-0 overtime win on a goal by Jerry Proctor.

The Tsunami (4-4-1) are scheduled to play the Fireballs again at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cooke.