MASL San Diego Sockers

San Diego Sockers Match Preview: Ontario Fury V. San Diego Sockers

Published on November 19, 2015 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release


Carlsbad, CA - The San Diego Sockers (1-1) are set to renew acquaintances with Pacific Division rivals Ontario Fury (1-2), Saturday night at the Valley View Casino Center. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05pm PT.

The Sockers have had two weeks to ponder their 15-8 defeat to Soles de Sonora in Mexico.

Despite the loss in Sonora, forward Nick Perera said he and his teammates are still in a very confident mood. "I wasn't overly pessimistic about the loss." The forward remarked in a phone interview.

"I think it will only make us more focused and get us going. If you look at their [Soles de Sonora] recent result [16-10 against Ontario] and the parameters of that field, there is going to be a lot of goals. All teams are going to have a tough time down there. When you look back at the schedule 15 games into the season, that won't be such a shocking result."

At the same time, the Sockers' talisman admits that there is plenty to work on moving forward and the team has been addressing these issues on the training ground.

"We are working on improving our cohesion as a defensive unit because giving up 15 goals as a Sockers' team is unheard of, so we know we need to be better. We are also looking at how we want to play as a team. Not just four or five guys, but all 15 men that are on the game day roster."

After the loss to Sonora, head coach Phil Salvagio stated that fitness was one of the team's biggest issues. Midfielder, Jeff Hughes confirmed that getting everyone into top gear has been a main focus.

"As a consequence of the loss, training has been really competitive," Hughes said. "We've continued to push and improve on all levels, especially fitness."

Heading into the home and home series with the Fury (the two teams will face off in Ontario on the 28th), Kraig Chiles returns from international duty with the U.S. Futsal National team. Chiles continues to chase Juli Veee's record of 254 goals for the San Diego Sockers. The former San Diego State Aztec is just six goals away from tying this historic mark.

After missing the match in Sonora, Ze Roberto is expected to return for his 95th regular season appearance with San Diego.

Anthony Medina will hit the century mark for regular season games played in a Sockers' jersey.

Ontario will not be quite as rested. The Fury makes the short journey from the Inland Empire less than a week after two bruising defeats in Mexico.

Last Saturday, the Fury had a similar experience to that of the Sockers as they fell at the CUM to Soles de Sonora 16-10.

Less than 24 hours later, Ontario fared better against Atletico Baja, but came up short, losing 9-8 in their second one-goal game against the expansion side this season.

Despite Ontario's two defeats and playing its third road game in less than a week, Hughes still expects the Fury to be no pushovers.

"They are a team full of veterans and Bernie [Lilavois] is a very smart coach, the former PASL MVP said. "They are going to have a good game plan. It will be a battle. What it comes down to is that we have to be the better team on the night."

Good tickets are still available. Fans can get them by going to

http://www.sdsockers.com/stadium/index_E.html or by calling 1-866-799-GOAL.

After the game, fans 21 and older can head over to the Barrel Republic in Pacific Beach. Show your ticket stub and get a FREE taster of one of the over 44 craft beers on tap.

Check out the San Diego Sockers Statistics

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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from November 19, 2015


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