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PASL San Diego Sockers

Sockers Bring Home Another Win

November 21, 2009 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release


The San Diego Sockers extended their winning streak to three games after they defeated the California Cougars, 5-4 in overtime, tonight at Del Mar Arena.

The Sockers (3-0) welcomed the Professional Arena Soccer League championship Cougars to their first away game with a Paul Wright to Kraig Chiles finish in the second quarter. Before the home crowd could celebrate the opening goal after awaiting a scoreless first quarter, the Cougars responded with a goal of their own. Enrique Tovar's pass to the far back post found Nelson Santana for a California equalizer.

Feeding off the energy of his Cougar teammates, David Vedder charged up the field to blast in a shot and give California their first lead of the night. But the Cougars wouldn't settle for a one-goal lead as Brian Farber delivered a cross to Majell Aterado to put California up 3-1 at the half.

With the fans awaiting a spark from the Sockers, things didn't seem to get any better when three minutes into the third quarter Craig Scheer chipped the ball over goalkeeper Riley Swift's head for a 4-1 lead. The remainder of the third quarter the Sockers saw opportunities on goal, but couldn't find the back of the net.

Anthony Medina revitalized spectators at the Del Mar Arena as he skied for a header 15 seconds into the fourth quarter. Just over a minute later, Aaron Susi, a former Cougar, struck a pass from Wright to narrow the score 4-3. Sockers fans remained on their feet as Chiles danced around Cougar defenders to fire a shot from the top of the circle to tie the game 4-4 and send the match into overtime.

About six minutes into overtime, Chiles saw another opportunity to finish with a pass from Ze Roberto, but put too much power on his shot as he sent it well over the goal. The kick seemed just a warm up for Chiles as he converted his next opportunity-Wright pushed the ball up the field after a steal-to earn a hat trick and end the match at 7:34 of sudden death.

"I messed up earlier when I shanked that one over the top," Chiles said. "It was redemption that I got the ball set up again and I loved it."

A close game between the two teams saw a physical match as a collision between Susi and California goalkeeper Jesus Molina in the second period sent both players down hard. Despite the impact, both Susi and Molina walked off any injury. Twelve minutes into the third quarter, Vedder slammed into the side wall as he fought for the ball against Socker defender Roberto. Vedder managed to walk off the field.

"We were fighting and battling in the first half," Coach Phil Salvagio said. "Once the boys started playing and scoring goals, we showed some heart out there."

The Sockers will have the opportunity to demonstrate that same attitude as they head into their second match of the weekend Saturday, Nov. 21, against the Las Vegas Knights.

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