Late Goal Sinks Sockers
Published on January 18, 2016 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
San Diego Sockers Defender Eduardo Velez Controls the Ball vs. Soles de Sonora
(San Diego Sockers)
San Diego, CA - Antonio Garcia struck rasping volley with just eight seconds left to lift Soles de Sonora to a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Sockers in front of 3,147 fans at the Valley View Casino Center.
On an emotional night in which both the San Diego Sockers and Soles de Sonora honored Abel "Shadow" Sebele, the match looked to be heading for overtime as Matt Clare fired in his second goal of the night to draw the sides level at five with just 56 seconds left on the clock.
The evening started with a heart-felt tribute in honor of "Shadow" who tragically passed away on Thursday, January 7. A video honoring his life was followed by a moment of silence that ended with rapturous applause and a standing ovation. A fitting honor for such an incredible man.
The Sockers took a 3-1 lead at the 11:24 mark of the second quarter but Franck Tayou scored just 19 seconds later to pull Soles back within one. A teammate of Sebele's at West Virginia University, Tayou ripped off his jersey to revel a shirt with Shadow's picture.
Clare opened the scoring in the second half, finishing off a beautiful team move at the back post. A teammate of Sebele's at the Wichita B52s, Clare ran to the Sockers logo in the center circle and knelt down to show his love for one of his closest friends.
At 4-2, it looked like San Diego might end Sonora's 10-game winning streak, but Alejandro Leyva, Daniel Lopez and Tayou scored in the space of 5:17 to give Sonora a 5-4 lead heading into the final frame.
"Shadow was about character," Clare said after the game when asked if there was a bit of Sebele in the Sockers comeback. "It definitely showed and in the end it was just unfortunate."
Clare's goal looked to of had the teams headed for overtime but Garcia stepped up and unleashed a corker to break San Diego hearts in an emotional finish to an emotional evening.
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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from January 18, 2016
- Late Goal Sinks Sockers - San Diego Sockers
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