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scott sealyAs the Earthquakes begin their off-season, it seems almost a certainty forward Scott Sealy and midfielder Francisco Lima won't return.

The players who helped in the team's second-half emergence gave strong indications of their departures after the season finale last weekend. (Coach Frank Yallop also talked last week as if it were a foregone conclusion Sealy was gone.)

Sealy, who is out of contract at the end of the year, said he is looking to play in Italy or the Netherlands.

"The club has done everything possible to keep me here, and I'll keep that in the back of my mind," said Sealy, as his son Dante stood by him. "But I've got a family to support, and in Europe there are a lot of opportunities where I think they are going to offer me a lot of money. I'm going to weigh my options, and then I'll make a sensible decision that's right for me and my family."

According to the Major League Soccer Player's Union, Sealy's salary is just under $35,000. He probably would earn a substantial raise from the Quakes but MLS teams cannot compete with European offers. Also, Sealy, 27, is interested in playing abroad.

"I think every player, they want to experience more," he said. "That's nothing against (MLS). I think the league has grown a lot since I've been in the league for the past four years. It's grown a lot, and I think it's more competitive than it's ever been. I want to go there and try it out, and see if the situation is right. If it's not right, I'll be back here." If he leaves then wants to return, the Quakes own his rights.