San Diego Sockers Sunday Match Preview and Game Notes
January 15, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
San Diego Sockers Wait for Kickoff
(San Diego Sockers)
The San Diego Sockers will return to the field with mixed emotions on Sunday when they take on Soles de Sonora at the Valley View Casino Center at 5:05pm PT.
Following the tragic death of midfielder Abel "Shadow" Sebele last Thursday, it's understandable that soccer may be the furtherest thing on the Sockers' minds. On the other hand, it could be a cathartic experience and an opportunity to pay tribute to their fallen teammate.
"We talked about dedicating the rest of the season to Shadow," captain Kraig Chiles said. "More than that, we talked about how Shadow would want us to enjoy every moment that we are on the field. He was the perfect example that it should be all about enjoying what you're doing. Loving the sport, loving the game and being blessed. We have a great situation in that we're playing the game we love and we can't take granted. We have to be grateful for what we have."
In third place heading into the weekend, the Sockers have a huge chance to make up ground against the Pacific Division leaders.
This is the start of two games in seven days between San Diego and Soles de Sonora. The clubs will meet again next Saturday in Hermosillo.
While Soles (9-1) have two games in hand on the Sockers (7-5), two San Diego victories would put pressure on Sonora and mean the title chase would be back on in the Pacific Division.
The two teams started the season in the exact same fashion with Soles de Sonora playing at San Diego before the sides met in Mexico a week later.
The Sockers took the season opener 7-5 in San Diego, but Soles de Sonora ran rampant in the cramped confines of the Centro de Usos Multiples, 15-8 and haven't looked back with nine straight victories cementing the first year club's place at the top of the Pacific Division.
Soles de Sonora have a chance to make it 10 straight when they take on Atletico Baja in Tijuana on Friday night before traversing the border to face the Sockers.
San Diego is coming off a 7-6 loss to the Milwaukee Wave back on January 5th. The Sockers trailed 6-1 heading into the final quarter, but used the sixth-attacker in Victor Quiroz to great effect in mounting a roaring comeback which fell just short.
It was a match that was reminiscent of the loss to Dallas in which the Sockers took three quarters to find their hustle and flow. The lessons learned in Dallas led to a three game winning streak that was snapped by Milwaukee.
The question is will the lessons learned against Milwaukee spur another string of clutch victories as the Sockers enter the final portion of their schedule with six of its final eight games coming against Pacific Division opponents.
The opening day defeat to the Sockers is the only loss Soles de Sonora has ever suffered in its young history.
Sonora is on a nine-game winning streak. Its 114 goals in 10 matches has the club ranked second in the Major Arena Soccer League in scoring behind the Missouri Comets who have one more goal despite playing four more matches.
The club is led by Franck Tayou who is third in the MASL in points with 33 and second in goals behind Milwaukee's Ian Bennett with 24.
Alejandro Leyva is tied for fourth in goals with 18, the first five of which were scored against the Sockers at the beginning of November.
Soles de Sonora and Tayou could very well be the scoring leaders when the Sockers roll into San Diego as they face Atletico Baja in Tijuana on Saturday before crossing the border.
Missouri doesn't play again until the 31st.
For the Sockers though, winning will be about so much more than their place in the standings. Sunday is all about Shadow.
"We are playing more so for a purpose now, for a reason. Clare said. The focus may have shifted, but its there more now than ever."
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to partake in the pre-match ceremony honoring Sebele. There will be a video tribute followed by a moment of silence. The Sockers will wear black armbands and Sebele's jersey will be hung on the bench for the remainder of the season. Fans are encouraged to come out and give their sporting and emotional support. Tickets are available by calling 1-866-799-GOAL or by going to www.sdsockers.com.
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 San Diego Sockers in Action |
 San Diego Sockers Wait for Kickoff |
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