Sockers Win Fifth Straight Beach Soccer Jam Championship
April 27, 2014 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
FIESTA ISLAND--Chris Toth made back-to-back saves in sudden death overtime penalty kicks as the San Diego Sockers prevailed 4-3 in the championship final of the 2014 Beach Soccer Jam on Fiesta Island. The Sockers' fifth straight beach title was hard earned, as a NorCal team comprised of many players from the U.S. National Beach Soccer Team pushed San Diego to the limit before succumbing to the champs.
"It was a fun tournament, and we expected to play this team in the final," said Toth, who is the starting keeper for the U.S. National Beach team, "We figured it would be close and a tough game, and it was. It came right down to the end."
As the Sockers could tell you from their failed quest last season on the indoor pitch, it's tough to win five straight titles. The Sockers brought starting regulars Toth, Eduardo Velez and Nick Perera and regular Sockers Reserve Garth Archibald to their beach lineup, complemented by select members of the Beach National Team. After a 2-0-2 performance in two days of round-robin play within the pro division, the Sockers and NorCal met for a spirited game that never saw either team ahead by more than one goal.
San Diego scored first for a 1-0 lead after the first of three twelve-minute periods, but NorCal answered back on a corner kick to equalize, then took a 2-1 lead in the second period on a scrum in front of the Sockers net. The 2-1 NorCal advantage held through most of a frenetic third period, before Beach National regular Andrew Feld converted a feed from Perera with under two minutes to play, roofing the shot for a 2-2 tie to force overtime.
"I was running through and Nick gave me a great ball," said Feld (USD, Carlsbad High) of his clutch equalizer, "I just struck it as hard as I could."
After a three-minute overtime period, the game was sent to sudden death penalty kicks. NorCal went first and netted their opening try, matched by Perera to send the game to a second round of PKs. Toth made a diving stop to his left in the second round, punching aside a low bid. Velez had the ball at his toe next with a chance to win, but his drive to the left side of the net was deflected by NorCal keeper Mike McAndrews. Heading to a third round of sudden death, Toth again came up huge, guessing right on a PK to his left for the save. Feld then calmly slotted his PK in the right side netting for the game and tournament winner.
"It was a lot of fun," said Feld of his chance to play with the Sockers, "It was great to come out and get some touches in before (the FIFA World Cup) this summer."
Toth feels the beach game has helped refine and maintain his indoor goalkeeping skills.
"It's very similar in terms of players on the field. While indoor's mostly on the ground, this game is (played) in the air a lot, so it's good for your first touch and reactions."
The Sockers will be back in the community this coming weekend when they host the San Diego Sockers 4v4 Tournament this Sunday, May 4th at Hourglass Park. Teams from U6 to U15 boys and girls are welcome to compete in the fast-paced one day tournament.
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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from April 27, 2014
- Sockers Win Fifth Straight Beach Soccer Jam Championship - San Diego Sockers
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