Indoor Legend Paul Wright Returns to Sockers
October 5, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
SAN DIEGO-The San Diego Sockers today announced the signing of veteran midfielder Paul Wright to a one-year contract. The only player to win both an MISL and PASL championship with the Sockers, the 43-year old Wright enters his 24th professional indoor season and his fourth tour of duty in San Diego after playing last year for the Anaheim Bolts.
"It's amazing how things work out," Wright told sdsockers.com, "I talked to (head coach/owner) Phil Salvagio and "Coach K" (Sockers GM John Kentera) and the door was still open here in San Diego. I'm thrilled to finish out my career here. They still feel I have a couple of good years in me, so here we go again."
Paul Wright is a six-time indoor champion who has scored over 380 goals during his illustrious career. The man known as "P3" (referring to his jersey number 3) first appeared for the Sockers as a 19-year-old in 1990, winning the Championship Series Unsung Hero award as the Sockers won the MISL championship. His career has taken him to Cleveland, Milwaukee, LA, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Sacramento and Anaheim indoors, in addition to four seasons spent with the MLS Kansas City Wizards from 1996-1999.
Wright helped restart the PASL edition of the Sockers in 2009-2010, starting at midfield and captaining the power play on route to a 14 goal, 23 assist season. Wright's 37 points led the Sockers in their inaugural PASL season as the team went 13-3 and captured their 11th indoor title. In 2010-2011, Wright finished second on the team with 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists in 14 games) as the Sockers finished 14-2 and won their second PASL title and 12th overall. Wright signed with the expansion Anaheim Bolts in 2011-2012, playing in only eight games but still managing 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists).
"I'm very excited about Paul Wright coming back home to the Sockers organization," said general manager John Kentera, "We always left the door open for Paul to come back. My family enjoyed watching him play as a 19-year-old and we will continue to enjoy watching him play at a very high level as a 43-year-old."
Wright says his role on the team will change this year now that the Sockers have grown into their own as a franchise.
"My role is to be a helper. Whatever they need, if it's midfield, the back, or helping out leading the team when (team captain Aaron) Susi asks for it, my role is to be a helper and continue the amazing run they're having here," said Wright, "It's funny to say at my old age that I can provide fresh legs but my legs feel great and I know I can help out. I grew up at the Sports Arena and know it like the back of my hand."
The Sockers open the 2012-2013 season on Saturday, November 3rd at 7:05pm when they host the Sacramento Surge at the Valley View Casino Center (former Sports Arena). Tickets, including season and single-game tickets, are available by calling (866) 799-GOAL, or by visiting www.sdsockers.com.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from October 5, 2012
- Successful Tryouts for the RGV Flash - Rio Grande Valley Flash
- Real Phoenix Signs 10 More Players - Real Phoenix
- Indoor Legend Paul Wright Returns to Sockers - San Diego Sockers
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