MASL San Diego Sockers

Sockers Fall in the Pacific Division

Published on March 13, 2016 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release


Sonora, Mexico - The San Diego Sockers bowed out of the Major Arena Soccer League Ron Newman Cup Playoffs, but can leave with their heads held high.

Trailing the series 1-0, the Sockers handed Soles de Sonora just their second home loss of the season (both to San Diego) 13-10 to force the "mini-game" tiebreaker.

Soles de Sonora took the extra period 6-0, to advance from the Pacific Division Final to the Conference Final.

Following the 10-5 loss in San Diego on Thursday, the Sockers knew they had to come out guns blazing in Game Two.

The visitors did just that. The Sockers used a huge second quarter to race out to a 8-4 halftime lead and never looked back.

The second period started with with Daniel Lopez scoring just three seconds in to give Soles a 3-2 lead. The Sockers responded just 38 seconds later, however, with three goals in the space of 1:45.

Eddie Velez scored with a gorgeous volley after Chiky Luna scoped the ball over the defense from a corner-kick. After another Sockers goal following a restart, Velez struck again, this time shorthanded to give the Sockers a 5-3 lead.

Luna and Kraig Chiles added powerplay goals. Chiles then turned provider when he fed the ball for Oliveira to score the first of his three goals with just under two minutes remaining in the half.

Sonora responded with five goals in the third quarter, but Oliveira, Erick Tovar and Angel Ruiz all found the back of the net to keep the home side at arms length with an 11-9 lead heading into the final frame.

Tayou gave the home side hope with a goal less than three minutes into the fourth quarter, but all thoughts of a comeback were put to rest as Oliveira and Chiles put the finishing touches on a 13-10 win to force the "mini-game."

Despite the Sockers best efforts, Game Three was a completely different story. Roberto Escalante scored directly from a free kick five minutes into the extra game.

Alejandro Leyva scored the second at the near post following a feed from Enrique Canez three minutes later.

Approaching the ten minute mark and Raymundo Contreras and Gustavo Rosales struck goals 11 seconds apart to kill any hopes of a Sockers revival.

The night was capped off with Tayou putting the finishing touches on the victory with the final two goals to complete the 6-0 scoreline.

Soles de Sonora will move on to face either the Las Vegas Legends or the Brownsville Barracudas in the Conference Final.

The Sockers' season is over, but they left the playoffs showing that you don't necessarily need to lift the cup to show that you have the heart of a champion.

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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from March 13, 2016


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