SD Sockers Take On Soles de Sonora at Home
The Western Conference Championships kicks off this Sunday as Soles de Sonora travel to San Diego to take on the Sockers at the the Valley View Casino Center. In a rematch of last year’s Pacific Division Final, the two clubs meet for an intense series that will conclude in Sonora, Mexico.
Related Article: SD Sockers Advance to Western Conference Championships
MASL Soccer News: The San Diego Sockers (16-7) prepare for the second round of playoffs as they host Soles de Sonora (19-3), currently the top team in the MASL, this Sunday at 5:05 p.m. PT at the Valley View Casino Center. Major Arena Soccer League’s “Playoff Game of the Week” will feature a rematch of last season’s most exciting playoff match-up.
“Games against Sonora are always a battle, but we’re looking forward to it,” said Sockers head coach Phil Salvagio. “The team is ready.”
Last season, the Sockers and Soles faced off in a playoff series that needed a mini-game to decide who advanced. In San Diego, Sonora recorded a 10-5 win during the first leg, but the Sockers fought back two days later to win 13-10 on the road. Sonora ultimately advanced following a 6-0 win during the mini-game at the end of regulation to reach the MASL Finals versus Baltimore Blast.
Soles (Suns) de Sonora currently have the league’s best record (19-3), most goals scored (230) and the MASL’s best goal differential with +110.
“It was a tough test in Ontario this week, but back in January we showed what we are capable of competing against Sonora. Our team has only gelled more since then and some guys are playing some high caliber soccer at the moment,” said Chiky Luna, Director of Player Personnel.
Sonora is led by 2015-16 MASL MVP Frank Tayou (57 goals and 72 total points). The Sockers possess 3x MVP forward Kraig Chiles who has recorded 39 goals and 12 assists this season, as well as MASL’s top goalkeeper Chris Toth who leads the MASL in save percentage (.815) and 2nd in Goals Against Average (3.66).
Soles de Sonora currently hold a 6W-4L overall record versus the Sockers, outscoring San Diego by a total of 17 Goals (SON-70, SOC-63).
“We’ve been preaching this season as the #Questfor15. Sonora is the next hurdle we need to overcome,” said Sockers General Manager Sean Bowers. “We will do that by having every soccer fan willing to cheer the Sockers to victory.”
Courtesy of SoccerCity SD, a $5.00 ticket promotion is available here.
You can watch the game live on MASLtv Youtube.
