San Diego Sockers Score Historic Night as Chiles Surpasses Juli Veee
December 11, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
San Diego, CA - It was the last of San Diego's eight goals that drew the loudest cheer as Kraig Chiles scored his 255th goal to surpass Juli Veee for second place on the Sockers all-time regular season scoring chart.
It was the perfect coup de gras as the Sockers ran rampant in an 8-1 victory over Atletico Baja at the Valley View Casino Center.
After seeing his first shot hit off the underside of the crossbar and several other close calls, Chiles finally got the goal he craved at the 8:18 mark of the fourth quarter.
The three-time MVP was played in on a breakaway by Anthony Medina and Chiles made no mistake, neatly lifting the ball over the onrushing keeper for his historic goal.
"It was more relief than joy at that moment," Chiles said about seeing the ball finally hit the back of the net. "I think it would have been a lot more joyful if it was the first quarter. That's the goal that I needed and I'm excited to get the monkey off my back."
Head coach Phil Salvagio saw the moment a bit differently. "It is a moment that is hard to explain because you're talking about a legend in Juli Veee that I grew up watching and idolized. To have Kraig [Chiles] here for eight years, to coach him for eight years, to see him be better and become a rafter player. You know, his jersey will be retired. That's what he's striving for, that's what he's getting done and it's incredible."
While the spotlight was on Chiles, plenty of other players came to the fore. Matt Clare struck a hat-trick. Nick Perera and Anthony Medina also continued their fine form with a goal and an assist apiece. Eddie Velez and Jeff Hughes rounded out the scoring for the home side.
Chris Toth came back into the line-up after being rested against Harrisburg and made 15 saves, shutting out Baja for the final three quarters.
Aldo Medina had Atletico Baja's loan goal with 40 seconds left in the first quarter to bring the score to 2-1, but it was all San Diego the rest of the way.
The last goal and the night belonged to Chiles though, who can now start his ascent towards the all-time record held by Branko Segota with 298 goals.
"I'm in the hunt, I'm not going to stop." Chiles said as he was walking off the field after signing autographs. "I'm a patient guy. I'll just keep plucking along, do what I need to do and focus on winning games. The goals will come."
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