San Diego Sockers Match Preview
Published on November 27, 2015 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
Carlsbad, CA - The San Diego Sockers (1-2) are looking to get their season back on track when they travel to face the Ontario Fury (2-2) tomorrow. Kick-off is set for 1:05pm PT at the Citizens Business Bank Arena.
The match is a special San Diego v. Ontario double header as the Gulls will face off against the Reign in American Hockey League action at 7:05pm PT.
Coming off its second straight defeat and its first ever loss to Ontario, San Diego embarks on a three game road trip starting with the back-end of the home and home series with its rivals from the Inland Empire.
After Saturday's encounter, the Sockers will head to the east coast for a pair of matches against the Baltimore Blast and the Harrisburg Heat on December 4 and 5.
In a tactical battle last weekend, Bernie Lilavois' men won by the odd goal in seven. The Fury did well to get bodies behind the ball and force the Sockers to move around quickly in order to create chances.
On the other side of the ball, Ontario was very smart in picking its moments to attack, knowing when to possess and when to hit on the break.
Even though Kraig Chiles' reached the 250 mark for his career with his second straight two goal game, Juan Topete answered back for Ontario with a brace of his own.
Late in the fourth quarter, Tino Nunez bagged his second game winner of the season as he was played in on a break away and fired his shot just inside the far post.
In order to avoid its third straight defeat, the Sockers must find a way past Sanaldo. The Fury keeper made 16 saves (some of them spectacular) en route to earning Major Arena Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Week honors.
With Kiley Couch, Nelson Santana, and Stephen Basso brought in from Dallas, Syracuse and Rochester respectively, the Fury have a back-line that not only throws its body in front of the ball but can also play out of the back.
While the Sockers did well to keep midfield creator Tiguinho and Ontario's main goal threat, Mauricio Salles at bay, the emphases will be on not allowing the ball out of the back that lead to the majority of the Fury's chances.
Despite its first loss in eight matches against Ontario, the Sockers remain calm.
Enrique Tovar was impressive, scoring on his debut. Jonatan Santos also had a stellar game with plenty of crucial interventions and goal-saving tackles.
With very little separating the two-sides, a continued commitment to defense and solving the riddle that is Sanaldo may be enough to get the Sockers back in the win column.
Sockers fans can watch the game on www.golivesportscast.com. There will also be a link on Go Live Sports Cast to a Sockers' audio call of the match.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from November 27, 2015
- Ontario Fury Game Preview - Saturday, November 28, 2015 - Ontario Fury
- San Diego Sockers Match Preview - San Diego Sockers
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