Sockers2 Edge Omaha To Finish 11-1; Playoffs Next
The San Diego Sockers2 narrowly defeated the visiting Omaka Kings in an entertaining 11-9 match at Pechanga Arena on Sunday afternoon. Alan Crespo had a season-high six points (4 goals & 2 assists) to lead the Sockers2 in the see-saw contest. San Diego finishes its third Major Arena Soccer League2 season with an 11-1 record and will now host the RGV Barracudas in a single-elimination playoff game on Sunday, April 3, 12:30pm.
Omaha held one-goal leads throughout the match after scoring a 1-1 tying goal in the first quarter. The Sockers2 were stymied by the woodwork and Kings goalkeeper Efren Flores until they regained the advantage on Crespo's fourth goal of the game with 7:19 remaining in the match. Dallin Cutler (2-0=2) added his second marker of the game a minute later to seal the victory for San Diego.
The Sockers2 had offensive help from Kevin Aviles (2-1=3), Hiram Ruiz (1-2=3), and Ismael Rojo (1-1=2). Goalkeepers Gerardo Olvera and Edgar Alvarez (W), split the duties in the net with each making one save.
Omaha (6-3), who leads the Midwest Division, had eight different players score goals including two from Manuel Lira. The Kings are in a battle with Wichita and Amarillo for the two playoff berths in the division.
The Sockers2 playoff game will be free to attend.