San Diego Sockers Match Notes vs. Rio Grande Valley
February 24, 2018 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
MATCH PREVIEW
The Barracudas, who have had a tough season, arrive in San Diego after losing 9-6 in Turlock last night. Despite being 3-18, RGV has been competitive in a majority of their games. Midfielder Moises is the team's leading scorer with 33 points (18 G, 15 A). Supporting Gon- zalez in the offensive zone are midfield- ers Antonio Manfut (27 points) and Fer- nando Moreno (25). Goalkeepers Fidel Garcia (9.57 GAA) and Antonio Preneda (9.93 GAA) have split time this season, but Mattie Novello made the trip instead of Preneda.
San Diego must not look past the Barracu- das as they prepare for the playoffs. Last weekend, they were business-like in their sweep of the Florida Tropics in very tight games, something that will help the team get ready for the postseason. The Sockers will have two games remaining against On- tario (March 1) and El Paso (March 3) to conclude the season.
In addition to Kraig Chiles (42 points), the midfield trio of Luan Oliveira (28), Erick Tovar (26) and Brandon Escoto (24) have also been productive. San Diego has had a balanced scoring attack this season with six players having 15 or more points.
San Diego's +61 goal differential is second best in the league behind Monterrey's +71. The Sockers are one of three teams to be undefeated at home, along with Monterrey (10-0) and Baltimore (9-0).
SOCKERS SHORTS
Postseason Opponent ????
With Tacoma's 8-6 win over the Fury last night, San Diego can help in determining who they will play in the Divisional Cham- pionship Series on Thursday in Ontario. If San Diego wins, the Fury (10-11) will be out regardless of what the Stars (10-11) do in their season finale on next Sunday versus Kansas City. Tacoma won the season series 3-1 over Ontario.
This Sounds Familiar
Captain Kraig Chiles' 16-game goal streak ended last Saturday in Florida, but he still leads the team with 42 points on 32 goals and ten assists lead the Sockers potent offense. He is first in the league with seven game-winning goals.
Sockers In A Daze
Jamie Lovegrove and Luan Oliveira were in concussion protocol this week and are not expected to play. Both were hurt last week in Florida on Saturday.
Not Playing From Behind Much
San Diego has only trailed eight times at the end of any quarter this season. The Sockers have been ahead or tied for 68 out of 76 quarters this year.
Very Special, Special Teams
The special teams have been successful, especially the penalty- killing unit at a league-best rate of 79%. The power play has slipped lately but is still at 48%.
Magic Eight Ball
The Sockers have scored at least eight goals in 11 of their 19 games this season. Syracuse (6), Ontario (5), Florida (5 & 4), Monterrey, Tacoma, and Turlock (4) have held San Diego to fewer goals.
Goalkeeping Tandem Is Strong
The top goalkeeping tandem in the MASL of Boris Pardo and Chris Toth have had MVP seasons. Pardo is ranked first in GAA at 3.66, and trailing just behind in second place is Toth at 3.96. In save percentage, the pair is ranked #2 and #3. Toth is second with a .748% and Pardo with a .742. The duo's efforts this year, recall the legendary goalkeeper combinations in Sockers histo- ry including Gross and Mayer in the early 80s, Gorsek and Toth in the mid- to- late 80s, and Nogueira and Toth in the 90s.
Bad Boys, Bad Boys
Matt Clare leads the team with 18 penalty minutes. Max Tou- loute is second with 16.
Block Masters
San Diego has 86 blocked shots this season. Leading the team is Raymundo Contreras with 17. Second on the team with 13 is John Sosa.
Sockers 2 Need To Win Final Two Games
San Diego (5-5) will need to win their last two games to make the playoffs. They play at Arizona and Las Vegas to conclude their MASL 2 season.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from February 24, 2018
- Syracuse Clinches Playoff Spot Despite Loss to Harrisburg - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Tropics Battle Baltimore to Overtime But 8-7 Loss Eliminates Florida from Playoff Contention - Florida Tropics SC
- Blast Defeat Tropics 8-7; Clinch #1 Seed in Eastern Conference - Baltimore Blast
- San Diego Sockers Match Notes vs. Rio Grande Valley - San Diego Sockers
- Tacoma Stars Stay Alive with 8-6 Win over Ontario - Tacoma Stars
- Ontario Fury's Playoff Hopes Take Blow in Loss to Tacoma - Ontario Fury
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