Sockers Battle Rival Ontario in Match with Playoff Implications
Published on February 28, 2018 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
SAN DIEGO - The Pacific Division Champion San Diego Sockers (17-3) venture to Ontario on Thursday, March 1, 7:05 p.m., to face the Fury at Citizens Business Bank Arena in the final match of the SoCal Derby which has playoff implications for both teams.
For Ontario (10-11), they need to win or else they will be eliminated from the postseason. If they do win, then they will need Tacoma (10-11) to lose their final contest against Kansas City, as the Stars have the advantage by winning the season series 3-1. San Diego is working towards possible home-field advantage in the Conference Finals and MASL Championship Game. If the Sockers can finish with the second-best record in the league, then they have a chance to host the two matches above. Baltimore (18-3) and Milwaukee (16-5) are competing with San Diego for the overall second position behind the one-seed Monterrey (20-1).
The last time these two teams met in Ontario, the Fury ended San Diego's 10-game winning streak with an 8-5 victory. The contest was heated and expect more of the same with so much on the line. No doubt, the Sockers would like to end Ontario's season with a win. The magic number has been eight, as the winning team has scored eight goals to down the other team. Ontario's leading scorer Adrien Perez (27 G, 12 A, 39 PTS) has been a thorn in San Diego's side this season. The defense must keep him in check, as well as Juan Carlos Gonzalez (34), and Maicon De Abreu (30). Goalkeeper Jose Miranda (7-9, 6.58 GAA), who earned the win last time in Ontario, is expected to get the start.
The Sockers offense has been powerful this season, but it is the defense that wins championships. San Diego has been very effective on the backside allowing an average of only 3.7 goals per game. Anchoring the defense are the two best netminders in the MASL, Boris Pardo (8-0-1, 3.66) and Chris Toth (9-2-0, 3.87) have been solid in goal. In addition, the penalty-killing unit is ranked first at .77%. On the other side of the field, Kraig Chiles is again closing in on the Club scoring title with 34 goals and 15 assists for a total of 49 points. He also leads the MASL with seven game-winning goals.
The game can be seen live on MASL.TV and supporters can follow on social media at @SanDiegoSockers.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from February 28, 2018
- Sockers Battle Rival Ontario in Match with Playoff Implications - San Diego Sockers
- Stars Look to Clinch Playoff Spot against Kansas City - Tacoma Stars
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