Sockers Open Busy Stretch with 13-1 Win over Bay Area
January 19, 2014 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
SAN DIEGO--Jeff Hughes and Kraig Chiles each netted a hat trick as the San Diego Sockers cruised to a 13-1 win over Bay Area Rosal at the Valley View Casino Center. The Sockers (8-3) scored the final twelve goals of the game and the only score for Bay Area came on a deflection off the leg of a San Diego player.
"We focused on our defense throughout the game," said head coach Phil Salvagio, "We still wanted to put on an exciting show for our fans and I think we did while getting some other players experience."
The win opened a stretch of four games in eight days for the Sockers, who play at Ontario Fury on Sunday afternoon before heading to Mexico next weekend for games at Saltillo and Monterrey.
San Diego struck quickly in front of a crowd of 3,728 on Military Appreciation Night, with goals in the opening 90 seconds of each of the first three quarters. Hughes electrified the arena with his strike from well beyond the attacking red line just six seconds into the second quarter, tying the fastest Sockers goal in PASL history.
Chiles collected his hat trick by halftime then added a pair of second half assists for a five-point game. Sockers captain Aaron Susi had two goal and two assists, while speedy midfielder Brian Farber netted two goals before assisting on a pair of short handed goals by Hughes in the fourth quarter.
"We needed that for our confidence," said Farber, who has twelve points (seven goals, five assists) in his past three games, "Hughes and I have more time on the field together and when we get it going it's fun."
The Sockers received good news on multiple fronts regarding their defensive back line prior to game time. Top defender Evan McNeley warmed up before the game and was declared fit to play, but was held out due to precautionary measures. McNeley is expected to return to the lineup Sunday in Ontario.
"We should have some fresh legs ready to go tomorrow," said Salvagio.
Meanwhile, defender Eduardo Velez missed Saturday's game due to a red card suspension but had no penalty added by the PASL front office, making him eligible to return Sunday as well. And new addition Jonatan Santos fit in quickly in his Sockers debut, going without a point but hitting the post twice and displaying the type of Brazilian futsal skills that will fit in nicely with San Diego on both ends of the field.
Goalkeeper Chris Toth (7-3) bounced back from allowing ten goals against Las Vegas in his last start, making thirteen saves while seeing only one goal get past him, that on a shot which deflected off the leg of Farber and was misdirected into the net.
"It's definitely a confidence booster," said Toth, "Tonight was really about tightening up and getting ready for the playoffs."
The prospect of seeing the talented MISL veteran Santos round into shape while McNeley and Velez return put a smile on the face of San Diego's goalkeeper, who channeled Bart Scott when asked about the potential of the new look defensive corps.
"Can't Wait," Toth replied with a smirk.
Anthony Medina notched his third straight two-goal game while Diego Rovira collected three assists and Chad Hagerty assisted on a Farber goal for his first point of the season. Chiky Luna rounded out the scoring with a goal and assist for San Diego. Bay Area (5-7) played without most of their top scorers and suffered the predictable result.
The Sockers head up I-15 to take on the Ontario Fury (4-7) on Sunday afternoon at 4:05pm from Citizens Business Bank Arena. The game will be live streamed on AmericaOneSports.com with Sockers audio coverage on www.sockers.com.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from January 19, 2014
- Sockers Outlast Fury 6-5 - San Diego Sockers
- Fury Rally Falls Short Against Sockers Again - Ontario Fury
- La Fiera Win Foul Filled Game - Hidalgo La Fiera
- San Diego Sockers Game Notes at Ontario Fury - San Diego Sockers
- Sockers Open Busy Stretch with 13-1 Win over Bay Area - San Diego Sockers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
