Sockers Embark on Pivotal Weekend
(February 1, 2017)
The San Diego Sockers (9-4) embark on the most pivotal weekend of the 2017 Major Arena Soccer League season. On Friday the Sockers face Pacific Division rival Tacoma Stars (9-5) then immediately travel south of the border to face MASL’s top team, Soles de Sonora (11-2). The Sockers hold a narrow ½ game lead over the Stars in the Pacific Division and can extend their lead with a successful weekend.
San Diego is coming off a rare bye week. Prior to the bye week, the Sockers played their most complete game against the Soles de Sonora, winning 5-2 at home in front of over 5000 fans. San Diego will look to continue their momentum against a Tacoma Stars team on Friday and Sonora on Saturday.
Last time the Sockers faced the Stars was on December 18th, 2016 with the Stars extending their unbeaten home record by the slenderest of margins, winning 8-7. That game in Washington featured six lead changes with Tacoma scoring twice in the final five minutes to claim the victory. After facing the Sockers on Friday, the Tacoma Stars travel to face the Dallas Sidekicks on Saturday.
"All I want for my birthday is two wins this weekend." - Head Coach Phil Salvagio
The Stars are led by the goalkeeper play of Danny Waltman, 2015-16 MASL Goalkeeper of the Year. Forward Derek Johnson leads the Stars attack, with Dan Antoniuk, Micheal Ramos and Alex Megson all scoring double digits goals this season.
With the second best goal differential in the league (+36), look for the Sockers to be solid on both sides of the ball. January Goalkeeper of the Month, Chris Toth, leads the defensive efforts. He leads the MASL in Save Percentage (.820) and is 2nd in Goals Against Average (3.81). In front of him are solid defenders Captain Ze Roberto and veteran Victor Quiroz. Sockers Newcomers Felipe Gonzalez and Cesar Cerda also provide grit and guile out of the back.
Captain Kraig Chiles leads the offense with 32 points (24 goals, 8 assists) while Matt Clare, Max Touloute and Brandon Escoto contribute heavily to Sockers attack. MASL veterans Anthony Medina and Erick Tovar also chip in valuable contributions on a regular basis.
After a division matchup with the Stars, the Sockers travel to face MASL’s top team on Saturday, Soles de Sonora. The two powerhouses met just two weeks ago in San Diego, with the Sockers prevailing 5-2. San Diego stands as the only team to win in Hermosillo since Sonora joined the MASL last season.
Sonora’s attack is led by Frank Tayou, last season’s MASL MVP, who has scored 39 goals to date. The Soles have scored an outstanding 157 goals and own the highest Goal Differential (+71), which is more goals than two teams have scored all season.
You can catch all the Sockers game live on MASLtv Youtube - Live Stream Here vs Tacoma / Live Stream Here vs Sonora. Make sure to follow San Diego Sockers on social media @sandiegosockers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat! #Questfor15