Preview: Sockers Playoff Push vs Coyotes
(February 14, 2017)
Playoffs…you’re talking about playoffs? Why, yes we are! The San Diego Sockers can clinch a 2017 playoff berth on Thursday night against the El Paso Coyotes with a win!* The San Diego Sockers (11-5) will face the winless El Paso Coyotes (0-15) in an opportunity to be the first Pacific Division team to clinch a playoff berth. The action starts February 16 at 7:35pm at the Valley View Casino Center!
The Sockers and Coyotes played just last week at the El Paso County Coliseum, with the Sockers taking home a 10-4 victory. Star forward Kraig Chiles had four goals while offseason signing Cesar Cerda notched his first hat-trick for the Sockers. Cerda was named as the only defender for the Major Arena Soccer League Team of the Week 16 for his 3 goal, 1 assist performance versus the Coyotes.
Matt Clare, one of the Sockers’ key playmakers will return to the field after serving a one game suspension. Clare will take the place of Mexican forward Erick Tovar who will serve a one game suspension this week.
Boris Pardo will get continue to play in goal after notching 44 saves in his last two starts. Pardo, last season’s runner up for MASL Goalkeeper of the Year with the Kansas City Comets, will face the Coyotes for the third time this season and will look to keep his win streak going. 
The Sockers are amongst the MASL leaders almost all the team related statistical categories. The Sockers are 3rd in Win Percentage (.688), 4th in Offense (121 – goals scored), 2nd in defense (74 – goals against), 2nd in Goal Differential (+47) and 3rd in Penalty Kill Defense (75%).
Despite the playoff implications of Thursday’s matchup, Coach Phil Salvagio might take this game as an opportunity to rotate his squad and keep fresh legs for the playoffs. Conversely, Coach Salvagio can use this matchup to fine tune his player’s fitness, communication, and make sure his team gels prior to the playoffs. The Sockers did sign seven new players after all.
Game Details: Thursday February 16th, 2017 – 7:35pm Kickoff – Valle View Casino Center
*And an Ontario Fury loss vs Tacoma Stars
You can catch all the Sockers game live on MASLtv Youtube! Make sure to follow San Diego Sockers on social media @sandiegosockers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat! #Questfor15