Steamers' Redmond Lane Moves to Head in Class

by Arnold Irish (12/29/1983) St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nobody more completely completely personifies the Steamers' commitment to the "total soccer" philosophy - the sacrifice of self for the greater glory of the team - than Redmond Lane. And as much as anything, it is the commendable attitude of Lane and others like him that is motivating the Steamers' drive back toward the top of the Major Indoor Soccer League's Western Division. The Steamers(7-6) will try to move closer to that destination at 8:35 tonight when they play the Phoenix Pride (4-8) at Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Ariz. Lane had reason to be optimistic in the preseason. This was to have been the season in which the Steamers' swift third-year forward fulfilled his scoring potential, when made good on the promise that brought him his native Ireland's coveted "Young Player of the Year" award. Lane was teaming with his pal, Tony Glavin, on one of the Steamers' two regular lines during training camp - and playing well - when the club signed New York Cosmos star Ricky Davis. Almost immediately, Davis was paired with Glavin, and Lane was in never-never land. Some players in his predicament would have complained that they deserved more time on the field. Or questioned Coach Dave Clements' judgment. Or stirred clubhouse resentment. Instead, Lane viewed the big picture. "The addition of Ricky is great for this club," Lane said at the time. "Ricky will be a tremendous help to the team." Lane was right, of course. Davis, adjusting nicely to indoor soccer, has established himself as team runner-up to Tony Glavin in goals(12) and points (19). Lane hasn't exactly been drummed out of the league himself. Although his playing time has heen limited until recently, he is the Steamers' No.3 goal-scorer with seven, including three on the power play. As the Steamers have become immersed in the "total soccer" concept, with all players participating fully in defense as well as offense, Clements has seen fit to give the third line virtually equal time with the first two units. Lane's line took four turns Monday, and he scored twice in the Steamers' 5-3 victory over Los Angeles. He was named offensive player of the game. In good spirits, now that goalkeeper Sloho Illjevski is healthy again, the Steamers have been ribbing Lane about his being the Steamers' candidate for English Leather's "1O 1/2" award, given annually to the MISL's best-groomed,most stylish player. His colleagues say Lane, single and something of a snappy dresser, is a shoo-in for the award because he attracts so many distaff spectators. Teammates are getting his autograph, on the assumption that by this time next year, he'll probably be in the movies and won't recognize them. "The guys are really on my case about that '1O 1/2' business," Lane said, obviously delighted. He's more than somewhat pleased to be seeing more playing time, too. "I enjoy getting to play more, but the important thing is whether we win, not how many goals I score," Lane said. "I've been used some at forward and some at midfield. I'm comfortable at either position. Wherever Dave wants to use me is fine. It's Dave's decision. It's my job to play hard and play well." Lane makes team-oriented statements not because he thinks they are what management likes to hear, but because they reflect his innermost thoughts. "Redmond is like a lot of unsung people in the engine room," Clements said. "Without dependable people like that, it's no good having one or two stars." Lane has been described as "too unselfish" by Clements. "In the past," Lane said, "I've been the type who played the ball to Tony or (Don) Ebert. Sometimes I've been too nice and laid it off. Dave has told me I've got to be more goal-hungry when I'm in the striking position." Clements regards Lane as a double threat offensively because he has a good shot as well as speed. "His being left-footed is important, too," Clements said. "Too many teams tend to go all to the right." Although the coach might prefer more goals from Lane, he knows how difficult it is to find an unselfish player. So he's inclined to let Redmond be Redmond. "I enjoy hustling on defense and getting the ball back," Lane said. "Coming forward and creating openings. Getting the ball by. I like to look for plays on offense. On defense, I like to use my speed and quickness to close guys down." And, given his druthers, Lane would rather play on a winner than set scoring records. He believes that not always getting exactly what one wants is part of life and living. "You've got to go with those things," he philosophized. "I'm happy within myself. And after scoring a few goals, I'm more confident. That probably helps make me more effective. I hope it does, because whether I'm on the field or the bench, I want to contribute. When that third line's out there, or we're on the power play, it's my job to be productive. If I'm on the bench, I've got to be prepared to go out there. If I'm not ready, I'm not contributing."
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