By Rob Miech

Sat, Dec 24, 2005 (8:20 a.m.)

Professional soccer of the indoor variety will be returning to Las Vegas, probably as the Lightning, in 2006.

The ink is currently drying on a few contracts, while others are in final negotiation stages, for NASL Indoors, which will take its name from the North American Soccer League that operated from 1968 to 1984.

Steve Lazarus, general manager of the semipro Las Vegas Strikers club that has been competing in the National Premier Soccer League for three years, will occupy the same role with the new indoor team.

Lazarus, 38, was on the losing end of two Division-II national championship games when he played at Cal State Northridge. He played professionally in Canada before venturing into private business.

Strikers owner Frederic Apcar also will own and operate the Lightning, and Margate Entertainment will start up the eight-team NASL Indoors. The Lightning will play up to 10 home games, on Sundays, at the Orleans Arena, with a tentative debut set for Feb. 12.

Margate Entertainment executive Tom Ficara is also working on television (with Fox Sports) and radio deals.

"Tom thought we were good candidates to bring it indoors, as well, and we agreed to do that," Lazarus said. "The outdoor game has a park and recreations feel, so this will be different. We'll have a larger budget, for marketing, promotions and advertising.

"This is professional."

A Better Plan

Lazarus said the Orleans Arena -- with its capacity of about 7,500, convenient free parking and low-priced concessions -- will lend itself to the Lightning's longevity.

The Dustdevils of the old Continental Indoor Soccer League averaged 2,709 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 1994, when they beat Dallas for the title, and 3,274 at the Thomas & Mack Center in '95.

"Those were expensive venues with larger-capacity arenas," Lazarus said. "The Orleans Arena will be a better facility, just for the natural progression of the franchise. It's a venue that also wants the foot traffic."

Also Noted

A commemorative button was made, bearing the images of the two legends, to highlight the event. If anybody has one, drop us a line -- it might make a good photo for a future column.

He jumped onto the ground, on both hands, then (reverse) kicked the ball away with the bottom of his boots. An Internet search easily unearths the gem.

"I try to do it whenever possible. My philosophy is to enjoy myself and to entertain," Higuita said. An English doctor warned that it could hyperextend the back and lead to serious spinal damage.

Match of the Week

Az Alkmaar at Feyenoord, Monday

Alkmaar (12-2-2, 38 points) is tied with PSV Eindhoven atop the Eredivisie in Holland, and Feyenoord (11-3-2, 35) is third. Georgian national striker Shota Arveladze of Alkmaar is second in the league with 13 goals.

*****

1,041

Consecutive minutes Liverpool hadn't allowed a goal, until Mineiro of Sao Paulo broke through in Yokohama, Japan, for the only goal Sunday in the 27th minute of the world club championship.

******

17-0

Liverpool's corner-kick edge over Sao Paulo in Yokohama.

Rob Miech can be reached at 259-4087 or at miech@lasvegassun.com.