Sockers2 Edged By RGV In Shootout

In a game featuring two powerhouse MASL2 teams, Rio Grande Valley's Jose Perez scored the decisive shootout goal to give the visiting Barracudas a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Sockers2 on Sunday afternoon at Pechanga Arena. Perez's goal gave RGV a 5-4 advantage in the shootout for the win.  

The contest, which was a rematch of the 2022 West Finals, was a see-saw affair with RGV holding the lead four different times, only to see San Diego level the score each time. RGV took an early 2-0 advantage before the Sockers2 tied the game on goals from Ismael Rojo and Andy Reyes. The score was 3-3 at the half. 

The teams swapped goals in the second half ending with Rojo's second marker of the match with 4:43 left in the fourth. 

In the six-round shootout (regulation is 3 rounds), RGV only missed scoring in the third round, while San Diego failed in their first and sixth tries.

The Barracudas got two goals each from Perez and Jorge Luna. Michale Vaca and Erwing Rodriguez tallied a goal apiece. 

Former Sockers goalkeeper Diego Arriaga notched the win making four saves in regulation on nine shots. Xavier Snaer-Williams made 17 saves in a losing effort for the Sockers2. 

San Diego returns to action on Sunday, January 29, 12:00pm to play the Chihuahua Savage II. RGV hosts the Empire Jets on Sunday, January 22.