Sockers Win 4-3 Thriller in Tacoma
(March 4, 2017)
The San Diego Sockers ended the 2016-17 Major Arena Soccer League season with an emphatic win over Pacific Division rival Tacoma Stars. The Sockers broke their hex at Tacoma with the 5-3 win and will look to continue the momentum into the post season.
Brain “Flash” Farber pounced on a poor back pass from the Star defender just 51 seconds into the game. Sockers’ midfielder Luan Oliveira then doubled the lead a few minutes later with a good left footed strike.
Tacoma Stars immediately scored at the start of the second quarter through former Socker Dan Antonuik to halve the deficit. Luan Oliveira then scored his second on the night to make it 3-1 going into the half.
The Stars regrouped at the break, scoring two goals in the 3rd quarter to tie the game at 3-3. In those tense moments, Sockers Goalkeeper Chris Toth stood tall between the posts. Toth, back from duty with the US Beach National Team, didn’t miss a beat on his way to the win, 12 saves and a stellar .800 Save Percentage.
Forward Erick Tovar scored a spectacular game winner in the 4th quarter with a right-footed blast into the top right corner of Danny Waltman’s goal. The Stars threw everything they could at the Sockers, but they played some resolute defense.
Join the Sockers in the Divisional Round Playoff Game against the Ontario Fury on March 12, 5:05pm at the Valley View Casino Center. Halftime will feature the 2nd annual celebrity game, highlighted by former US National Team star Landon Donovan.
Tickets still available at sdsockers.com!