San Diego Sockers Push Forward on Quest For 15
The San Diego Sockers are working their magic this year as they thrill fans and push forward on the quest to win another national championship. Sockers Win Mini-Game After Taking Game Two In A 9-3 Rout.
First, the San Diego Sockers defeated the Tacoma Stars 9-3 in Game Two of the MASL Divisional Championship Series before a crowd of 3,421 at Valley View Casino Center.
Then, the Sockers cleaned up in the all-important 15-minute mini-match to advance.
The14-time and 2017-18 Pacific Division Champion San Diego Sockers defeated the Tacoma Stars 6-2 in the 15-minute Game Three of the MASL Divisional Championship Series to advance to the Conference Final.
San Diego struck early to take control of the one-quarter game on a Bandon Escoto goal only 49 seconds in.
The Sockers would build a 5-0 lead before Tacoma found the back of the net.
Scoring for San Diego was Kraig Chiles, Hiram Ruiz, Cesar Cerda, Erick Tovar and Brian Farber.
“This was a big one last night for us,” said Sean Bowers, Sockers’ General Manager. “Our backs were against the wall and we responded like good teams should.”
“The atmosphere was electrifying with a great crowd and our team really showing up to play. A great night all around,” said Bowers.
“It is amazing the things you can accomplish working as a team,” said Bowers.
“The crowd was fantastic last night and they helped us maintain our perfect home record this season,” said Farber. “We are happy with the result and to be moving on gets us one step closer to our goal.”
“It was a great soccer night in San Diego. We brought the fight and intensity needed to advance ourselves deeper in the run for the Ron Newman Cup,” said Chiles.
The night was not without controversy as it became heated in the arena during this fast-action packed mini-match.
“Respect to the Stars and their effort, they took the first leg and had us against the ropes a bit but having the home field advantage helped us in the end. Things get a bit intense with those guys every game, and it’s magnified in the playoffs, and last night was a big win for us — and, the rivalry we have with the stars,” said Farber.
Chris Toth was stellar in goal for San Diego. He picked up wins in both games by making key saves throughout the evening.
“It was a total team effort coming back to win the series,” said Toth.
“The team was very focused from start to finish and we fed off the energy from the crowd.”
“We really put ourselves in a tough position after dropping the first away game,” said Anthony Medina. “The team was able to come back with the response needed here at home.”
“It was an intense playoff atmosphere.”
“You could sense the intensity with every touch,” added Medina. “Now that we are just one game away from reaching championships, we will continue staying focused and keep the momentum going into next weeks game.”
The Sockers forced Game Three with a rousing 9-3 effort in Game Two.
San Diego will face either Monterrey or Sonora in the one-game Western Conference Final.
If Monterrey beats Sonora tomorrow, the Sockers will travel to Mexico for a game on Sunday. If Sonora can win Game Two and the Mini-Game on the road, San Diego will host the Conference Final on Thursday at Valley View Casino Center.
| Period | Time | Strength | Team | Scorer (Assists) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 00:49 | ES |  San Diego |
Raymundo Contreras (Kraig Chiles) | 1 – 0 Sockers | |
| 1st | 03:44 | ES | San Diego |
Kraig Chiles (Ze Roberto) | 2 – 0 Sockers | |
| 1st | 08:28 | ES | San Diego |
Hiram Ruiz (Brian Farber) | 3 – 0 Sockers | |
| 1st | 09:07 | ES | San Diego |
Cesar Cerda (Raymundo Contreras) – vs 6 attackers | 4 – 0 Sockers | |
| 1st | 10:50 | ES | San Diego |
Erick Tovar (Brandon Escoto) | 5 – 0 Sockers | |
| 1st | 11:46 | ES |  Tacoma |
Philip Lund (Evan McNeley) | 5 – 1 Sockers | |
| 1st | 14:43 | ES | San Diego |
Brian Farber | 6 – 1 Sockers | |
| 1st | 14:57 | ES | Tacoma |
Jamael Cox (Philip Lund) | 6 – 2 Sockers |
Photo Credit: Richard Pecjak Jr
