Sockers Clinch MASL Pacific Division
San Diego Sockers Win Big With 9-5 Victory Over Fury
Nick Perera and Kraig Chiles netted hat tricks as the San Diego Sockers (15-3) won their ninth straight game, clinching the Major Arena Soccer League’s Pacific Division with a 9-5 win over the Ontario Fury in front of 4,253 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. Goals by Brazilian rookie Ney and veteran defender Eduardo Velez gave the Sockers a 5-4 lead in the third quarter, igniting a five goal run that sealed the game.
Perera stole Man of the Match honors with a spectacular goal to seal his hat trick, spinning three Fury defenders in a solo effort that finished with a back post score from the right wing. Returning from a one-game red card suspension, Perera also scored the game’s first goal, turning his man in the crease after a long ball assist from goalkeeper Chris Toth (11-3).
Chiles extended his two scoring streaks with a clinical hat trick, extending his MASL goals lead to five with his 43rd-45th goals of the season. Chiles has at least one goal in all eighteen games and his PASL/MASL consecutive points streak record pushed out to 63.
Brian Farber added a goal and assist for San Diego, while former Sockers midfielder Johnny Topete scored for the Fury against his old team. Top Ontario scorer Tiguinho Diaz was held without a goal, although he chipped in a pair of assists.
The Sockers will host either the Fury (13-6) or the Las Vegas Legends (11-7) in a one-game Pacific Division championship on Saturday March 7th at the Valley View Casino Center.
The Fury and Legends will have to sort out a second-vs-third entry round in the week prior. Tickets are available online at www.sockers.com, by phone at (866) 799-GOAL or at the VVCC box office.
