Soccer: Anxious wait for surprise selection

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kaz Townsend was put through an emotional roller-coaster yesterday before learning he would travel with the Football Kingz to Adelaide today.

The 18-year-old could hardly believe his surprise call-up to the side for the sixth-round clash against Adelaide City Force.

Named in the squad as cover for the injured Michael Utting, it was a dream come true for the young goalkeeper who played for St Peters College in this year's Auckland premier schools competition.

Just back in the country after a seven-match tour of Argentina with his school side, Townsend was hardly expecting a call from Kingz coach Ken Dugdale.

But that thrill was put on hold for a time yesterday as the paperwork was sorted out.

As an amateur looking to join the club outside the transfer deadline, he needs special dispensation from league bosses at Soccer Australia.

That still had not come through late last night.

But today he joins the team on their flight to Melbourne and on to Adelaide for tomorrow's game, still unsure if he will be able to play.

"Sure, it was a big thrill to get the call," said Townsend who celebrated his 18th birthday last Saturday. "Even having a day's training with James Bannatyne was good experience."

At 1.78m and 79kg, Townsend hardly rates as a giant among goalkeepers. He said he had at times been "barrelled" by strikers, but usually bounced back.

He was also aware that Bannatyne was in the same back-up role last week and got his chance only minutes before kick-off against NSL leaders Olympic Sharks when Utting pulled up with a calf injury.

In other changes, Riki Van Steeden, suspended after being sent off in the Sharks game, is missing, as are Jeff Campbell (injured) and Mark Beldham.

Their replacements are Paul Dempsey, and James Pritchett and Darren Young, who could make their debuts.

The Kingz have struggled against the South Australians and might again find this a tough assignment.

Last week Adelaide came back from 0-2 to beat the Brisbane Strikers 3-2 to move into fourth place with a two-win, two-draw record.

"We know it will be tough," Kingz assistant coach Stu Jacobs said. "Playing them away will be difficult.

"But we have to take heart from last week's draw against the Sharks and look to build from that."

Kick-off is at 5.30pm (NZ time).