Great Sockers’ Action with Another Win — Beating Turlock Express
With 3,240 fans watching at Valley View Casino Center, Erick Tovar’s Hat-Trick Propeled San Diego to 7-0 Record and control of the MASL Division. Anthony Medina added two goals and team captain Kraig Chiles scoring streak continued, reaching seven games.
Soccer News: When sports fans come to their first San Diego Sockers‘ match, they discover true captivating entertainment — plus the thrill of participating as cheering soccer fans.
It is just impossible to sit back and watch the 14-time champion San Diego Sockers without becoming a fan and appreciating of the talented players. Whether you are there to enjoy a beer with a friend or the family-friendly environment, the San Diego Sockers truly delight all.
Tonight was no exception. From the screaming, happy Matrix youth soccer players to those who can tell tales from the original Sockers’ roster decades ago, the arena was alive with thrill of the game and the sccess of victory.
The San Diego Sockers have a great record this season — with the 9-2 victory over the Turlock Express, the team now has a 7-0 record.
Here is the recap from the San Diego Sockers:
With the win, the Sockers take full control of the Pacific Division earning a 3 ½ game lead over second place Ontario.
Erick Tovar led the attack with his first hat-trick of the season.
Tovar scored his three goals in the second half, but by that time the Sockers had a 4-1 lead and were in control of the match.
After a scoreless first quarter, San Diego scored three consecutive second-quarter goals by Raymundo Contreras, Anthony Medina, and Kraig Chiles for a 3-0 halftime margin.
Matt Clare opened the third quarter scoring at the 3:52 mark from an assist Luis Ortega. Tovar gathered a pass from Chiles for his first goal a minute later. His second and third goals bookended the goals in the fourth period.
In between, Medina notched his second goal in his first action of the season and Felipe Gonzalez found the back of the net against the sixth-attacker at 14:37 to close the scoring.
Turlock’s two goals were scored by the MASL’s second-leading scorer Ivan Campos. He now has 24 points on 18 goals and six assists.
Sockers goalkeeper Boris Pardo made 14 saves to go to 4-0 on the season. With his performance, he leapfrogs teammate Chris Toth as the top keeper in the MASL with 3.25 GAA and a .797 save percentage. However, Toth is not ranked because of a quirky league rule that requires a goalkeeper to play 50% of his team’s games to be eligible. Toth, who has played in three games, would be second in GAA (3.33) and first in save percentage (.804).
Chiles continues to lead the team in scoring with 14 goals and six assists for 20 points.
Clare is the assist leader with eight.
The Sockers will play the Express in Turlock on Friday, January 5, 7:05 p.m. San Diego will then host Turlock on January 7, 5:05 p.m. at Valley View Casino Center.
It will be Fitness and San Diego Blood Bank Blood Drive Night, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a free deluxe Sockers Water Bottle. Parking is always free ($15 value), courtesy of the team. Gates open at 4:00 p.m.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
- Tovar, 3 goals
- Medina, 2 goals
- Chiles 1 goal, 1 assists
PACIFIC DIVISION STANDINGS:
- San Diego 7-0
- Ontario 4-4
- Tacoma 3-6
- Turlock 2-7
San Diego Sockers Up Next:
The Sockers will play the Express in Turlock on Friday, January 5, 7:05 p.m.
San Diego will then host Turlock on January 7, 5:05 p.m. at Valley View Casino Center. It will be Fitness and San Diego Blood Bank Blood Drive Night, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a free deluxe Sockers Water Bottle.
Parking is always free ($15 value), courtesy of the team. Gates open at 4:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Diane Scavuzzo
