Sockers Survive Scare vs Fury to Advance in Playoffs
(March 14, 2017)
The #Questfor15 continues, but not after a scare vs Ontario Fury. The Sockers fell 8-4 in the 2nd game of the series, but were able to claw back and WIN 1-0 in the mini-game. The 15 minute mini-game is the "3rd" game of the series and is the ultimate decider for the series.
The San Diego Sockers traveled north on the I-15 in search of a road win vs the Ontario Fury that would close out the Pacific Division series. Ontario Fury on the other hand was playing to keep their memorable season alive.
Ontario came out flying and were rewarded with two early goals through on form striker Leonardo de Oliveira and Chico Francisco. Sockers started to get back into the game but couldn’t find an opening and were stunned by a 3rd Fury goal just before the end of the 1st Quarter.
With the Fury leading 3-0 at the end of the 1st quarter, Sockers forward Max Touloute took things into his own hands. Touloute took on three guys to score the Sockers opening goal, then played a gorgeous back heel pass for Erick Tovar to slot home. Fury still led 3-2 at the half.
Ontario Fury continued to play for their season and scored an early 2nd half goal. Sockers defender Cesar Cerda scored to make it 4-3. Fury again responded with a goal to restore the two-goal lead.
Touloute slammed home a Tovar shot off the boards seconds later to make 5-4. The Fury restored the 2 goal lead with only 9 minutes left to play. As the Sockers looked to equalize, the 6th attacker tactic failed to produce results.
Ontario Fury ended up scoring 2 more goals against the 6th attacker. The Fury ultimately won the second game of the series 8-4 to force a mini-game series decider.
After the restart of play, Brian “Flash” Farber jumped on to the long ball and crossed to midfielder Luan Oliveira who slotted home for a 1-0 lead in the mini game. Moments later, Ontario had a shot bounce off the wall and saved off the line, inches from the equalizer.
Ontario pressed, clawed, and fought their way back into the game but couldn’t find the equalizer. The fury threw everything they could at the Sockers, but Chris Toth and the Sockers defense remained resolute.
The San Diego Sockers now advance to the Western Conference Championship to face rival Soles de Sonora at 5:05pm on March 19th at the Valley View Casino Center! Get your tickets at sdsockers.com or axs.com!
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