San Diego Sockers Host Dallas Sidekicks for Top Spot
San Diego CA (Nov. 3, 2016) – San Diego Sockers are coming off a huge 12-1 victory over Turlock Express in the Major Arena Soccer League Opener to face traditional rival Dallas Sidekicks. Last Saturday, Sockers showcased their speed, a quartet of new players and goals…a lot of goals. This Saturday, Sockers will face another team that reached double digit goals in the league opening weekend, the Dallas Sidekicks. It is a highly anticipated early season match-up between two of the league’s top teams.
This Saturday’s game will be a tale of two very similar teams battling for the top spot in the MASL. Both teams changed uniforms, unveiled new mascots, made some roster improvements and scored in the double digits on opening weekend. Sockers ditched their traditional yellow socks (for the time being), while Dallas changed their primary team color from purple to green. Sunny the Socker was introduced into the fraternity of mascots in Southern California while Kicks the Kangaroo celebrated his first appearance for the Sidekicks. Both teams signed seven new players in the off-season. Sockers scored 12 goals. Sidekicks 10 goals. Sockers allowed 1 goal. Sidekicks allowed 2 goals.
“It was great to get the first win of the season vs Turlock. Dallas should be a strong early season test, but I think we have the team and organization to get a good result in front of our fans”
– Sockers Head Coach Phil Salvagio
The traditional rival, specifically from the 80’s and 90’s, will look to frustrate the Sockers high flying offense in San Diego, as they have in the past. The rivalry between the Dallas Sidekicks and the San Diego Sockers dates back to 1984. The two teams created several memorable moments in indoor soccer together, including a stifling but captivating 1-0 playoff game on May 20, 1989, and the end of the longest winning streak in professional sports when the Dallas ended San Diego’s 48-game run on Jan. 27, 2013.
Captain Kraig Chiles (284 goals) leads the Sockers with three goals and two assists, as his countdown to break the Sockers All-Time Scoring record continues (Branko Segota - 298). Last week’s five point performance was a great step in passing the legendary Segota this season. Chiles was named “Player of the Game,” included in the MASL “Team of the Week” and nominated for MASL Player of the Week.
Dallas Sidekicks matchup versus the Sockers will be their second in as many days and marks the mid-way point of their travel week. Sidekicks face an unenviable task of playing three games in three days; in El Paso, in San Diego and in Tijuana, MX.
Next week, the Sockers’ will face expansion team Florida Tropics in Florida. Then Sockers will be returning to Dallas to face the Sidekicks on November 12th for their last matchup of the season. The Sockers are back in action at home December 2 when they host division rival Tacoma Stars at Valley View Casino Center. Kickoff is slated for 7:35pm PT. Get your tickets at www.sockers.com/tickets!
Continue to check www.sdsockers.com throughout the week to stay updated on all the latest Sockers news and to learn about upcoming events. Follow on social media @sandiegosockers to see all the best images and moments from the game!
SD Sockers (1-0) vs Dallas Sidekicks (1-0)
What to watch for:
Sockers Preview
Kraig Chiles started season with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) to lead MASL in Week 1. Looking to continue scoring streak and surpass Branko Segota’s all-time scoring record. A case of two potent offenses (SDS 12 goals) and stingy defenses (1 goal allowed) vying for the top spot in MASL. GK Chris Toth leads league in Save Percentage (.957) and Goals Against (1).
Dallas Preview
Cameron Brown leads team with 3 goals and 1 assist while Arthur Ivo has 3 assists and 1 goal, each registering 4 points on opening weekend. GK Juan Gamboa is second in league for Goals Against (2) and Save Percentage (.935). Game 2 of three game, three day road trip versus a rested Sockers team. Recorded arena record of 55 shots on goal last week versus El Paso Coyotes.