Sockers Face Fury to Finish 2016

(December 29, 2016) The San Diego Sockers (6-3) close out 2016 on the road against Southern California rivals, Ontario Fury (3-3). Friday’s matchup should prove to have plenty of fireworks. Offseason trades, proximity, rivalry and previous scuffles will all lead to the intrigue of the Pacific Division clash. Last time the two teams met at Citizens Business Bank Arena (Jan. 31, 2016), Sockers prevailed by a 7-5 score line.

The first matchup of a two game mini-series will feature teams of differing fortunes. The Sockers lead the Pacific Division, boasting the most potent offense while maintaining the stingiest defense in the division. The Fury sit currently sit in third place of the four-team division. Interestingly, every team in the Pacific Division is undefeated at home in 2016. The Sockers will be looking to end the statistical anomaly and get a massive win against the Fury on the road.

After a week off for the Christmas Holiday, both teams are ready to go. Sockers Head Coach Phil Salvagio is excited to face the Fury.

“I can’t wait. I’ve been looking forward to this game for a couple months now. It’s a rivalry game. A personal pride thing.” – Head Coach Phil Salvagio

Sockers star forward Kraig Chiles should also be ready to make history. He is currently tied with Sockers legend Branko Segota for most All-Time goals (298) in a Sockers uniform. He needs just one more goal to make history for the 14-time Indoor Arena Champions.

Chiles also leads the Sockers with 17 goals, currently 4^th in the Major Arena Soccer League. Meanwhile, Max Touloute and Matt Clare have provided plentiful goals and assists throughout the season. Clare is second in points (19), third in goals (8) and first in assists (11). Touloute has 16 points this season, with 9 goals and 7 assists.

Sockers boast the division’s best defense, allowing only 41 goals through 9 games, 2 less than the Fury have allowed in only 6 games. A big part of the stout defense has been the play of goalkeeper Chris Toth with his league leading .807 Save Percentage and 3.88 Goals Allowed Average per game.

A key to the game will be to shut down the Fury’s attack. Mauricio Salles, Leonard de Oliveira and former Sockers player Nick Perera lead the Fury’s offense. Nick Perera will be making his much anticipated first appearance against the Sockers after joining the Ontario Fury in the offseason.

You can watch all the MASL action on the new MASLtv Youtube Channel! Link Here: Sockers vs Fury LIVE

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05pm at Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario, CA).