Sockers Play Two Road Games this Week
Published on March 20, 2019 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
The Sockers (17-1) begin an important four-game road trip with a contest against Turlock (3-17) on Friday. San Diego is seeking to clinch the best record in the MASL to be able to have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Express are winless (0-4) against the Sockers this season, losing by a combined score of 45-8. Turlock, who is improving over the past month with a 3-5 record in their last eight matches, is led by Omar Tapia (22- 10=32) and Jorge Carmona (11-9=20).
CAPTAIN CHILES CONTINUES HIS MAGIC
Kraig Chiles had a 4-point (2-2=4) game on March 15. He leads the team with 23 goals and is second in scoring with 33 points (23-10=33). Chiles is second in the league with 5 GWG. He missed four games with a lower leg injury this season (2/8- 3/1).
POWER PLAY ADDS DONOVAN, SCORES GOAL
The Sockers power play has improved since adding Landon Donovan to the unit on February 15. Since his addition, San Diego is 5-for-8 and has increased to a 31% success rate (highest of the season). The team, who is second in the MASL in PP opportunities (13-for-41), ranks 14th out of 17 teams (Mississauga is last at 26%). Last year, the team worked at a 53% success rate. The penalty killing unit's rate is at 52% (13-for-25, 12 PPGA).
LEAGUE-BEST DEFENSE
San Diego has allowed a league-best 62 goals against this season (2. RGV, 73). The Sockers led the MASL last season (2017-18) in fewest goals allowed with 82.
THE DONOVAN EFFECT ON ATTENDANCE
The Sockers have had an increase in attendance since adding Landon Donovan. Here are the attendance figures:
TOTAL (10 Games) - 3,711 (2nd in MASL)
AFTER LD (4) - 5,318
BEFORE LD (6) - 2,640
NEAR PERFECT WHEN LEADING
San Diego is near perfect when having a lead after the 1st quarter (8-1), at the half (10-0), and after the 3rd quarter (13-1).
Landon Donovan scored a goal with an assist and the San Diego Sockers erupted for three goals in the opening five minutes en route to an 8-3 win over the Dallas Sidekicks at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Kraig Chiles, Leonardo de Oliveira, and Juan Gonzalez each scored a pair, with Chiles adding two assists for a four-point night. Goalkeeper Boris Pardo won his 17th game of the season.
Donovan (4-7=11) had a 4- point game on March 10, including the game-winning assist in overtime. He has a 4-game point streak and has scored in three straight matches.
Pardo leads the MASL in GAA (3.47) and wins (17). He is second in Save % (.753). The MVP candidate has started all 18 games and has two assists. He is 2-for-2 saving shootout attempts against this season.
MASL's January Player of the Month leads the team in assists and points (22- 18@). 5. Escoto's 10-game point streak was snapped on March 15. This is his most productive season as a pro.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from March 20, 2019
- Sockers Play Two Road Games this Week - San Diego Sockers
- Major Arena Soccer League Announces National Youth Tournaments - MASL
- Stars Host Landon Donovan, Sockers on Fan Appreciation Night - Tacoma Stars
- Fury's Toth Named to MASL Team of the Week - Ontario Fury
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