Soccer: Kingz' playoff hopes dashed

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz' bid for a place in the National Soccer League playoffs ended yesterday with their 2-1 away loss to lowly Canberra Cosmos - a team Kingz player- coach Wynton Rufer later described as the worst in the league.

Rufer headed home a cross from Marcus Stergiopoulos for a 25th-minute lead but with Ivo de Jesus scoring goals in each half, the home side dashed even the mathematical chance the Kingz had of a place in the top six.

Rufer's sixth goal of the season gave the Kingz the confidence they needed but a shocking mix-up between Lee Jones and Noah Hickey allowed de Jesus to snatch the 35th-minute equaliser. His second-half strike handed the Kingz their 14th loss in 32 outings.

They beat Canberra 3-1 at home in early January but have struggled for consistency in the run-in to the playoffs. They recently lost 0-4 to the Melbourne Knights, who yesterday continued their late rally with an upset 3-0 win over title contenders Marconi.

"It was very disappointing," said Rufer. "Everything was going well until we let them back in. It was a joke of a game and in the end we deservedly lost.

"Even more of a concern was the attitude of some players. They have contracts [for next season] to play for but you would not have known it."

Rufer and his brother, assistant coach Shane, will soon sit down and work through their squad for next season.

"While we haven't signed for next season yet, it all looks very positive," said Wynton Rufer. "I want to stay in New Zealand as long as I can. I want to be involved in professional football and this is the only way I can do it."