Sockers Weekly Report - December 19, 2019
Published on December 19, 2019 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
Defense Dominates The Weekend
After conceding nine goals in a preseason contest and seven more in the season opener, the Sockers have been concentrating on a more determined defensive effort. The results have been clear: over the past three matches, San Diego has conceded only eight goals, including five over the course of last weekend's two victories. The Sockers set a season high on Friday with 16 blocked shots.
Leo Leads The Offense
After missing the first two matches of the season due to injury, Leonardo de Oliveira returned in a big way to the Sockers lineup over the weekend, netting a pair of goals with two assists in San Diego's two wins over Ontario and Sonora. Last season, de Oliveira finished third on the Sockers in scoring (40 points) while leading the club in assists (25).
Chiles Hobbled
It's rare to see consecutive games without a Kraig Chiles goal or assist, but such was the case last weekend, as Chiles was shut out of a 4-2 win over Ontario, before suffering a mild hamstring injury early in the first quarter of Sunday's 6-3 win over Sonora. Chiles was a limited participant in practice during the week and is questionable for Sunday's home match.
Farber Scoring Streak
Veteran midfielder Brian Farber is off to a strong start in his fifteenth pro season of arena soccer, netting a goal in each of the club's first four matches. Adding an assist in Sunday's win over Sonora, Farber moved into a five-way tie for the club scoring lead with five points (4 goals/1 assist).
Home Heavy To Start
The Sockers will open with seven of their first nine matches at home, before a midseason road swing which will see 9 of 10 away from San Diego in the months of January and February. The Sockers close with home matches in four of their final five fixtures this season.
Supporters Donate To Sockers Season Of Giving
On November 1, the Sockers began the Club's first-ever "Season of Giving" campaign to support local non-profits. Thirty-three charities were a part of the initiative which will culminate Sunday with the "Season Of Giving" game. On Friday, supporters threw 1,236 pairs of socks onto the field after the Sockers scored their first goal. On Sunday, the team collected nearly 400 pounds of food for the San Diego Food Bank. This Sunday, fans can donate gently-used cleats to Legacy Laces and join those who have already donated to be entered into the opportunity drawing for the $4,000 Freeflow Spa to be given away during the fourth period.
LAST TIME OUT
v SONORA, 6-3 WIN
Sunday, December 15
Pehanga Arena San Diego
The Sockers (3-1) face another two match weekend, traveling to Turlock to take on the Cal Express (3-1) on Friday before returning home to face the Tacoma Stars (2-1) Sunday evening at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
Tacoma will play at Ontario on Friday, while Cal will travel to Ontario on Sunday, making for a meaningful weekend between the four MASL clubs on the West Coast.
The Sockers extended their winning streak to three matches with a pair of tactical victories last weekend on home turf, holding off Ontario 4-2 on Friday before outlasting Sonora 6-3 on Sunday.
Brian Farber netted a goal in both contests, while Leonardo de Oliveira produced four points (two goals, two assists) over the weekend.
Both Turlock and Tacoma are coming off wins; the Cal Express took down Sonora 6-5, while Tacoma raced past the Ontario Fury 8- 5 on Sunday.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from December 19, 2019
- Two Game Weekend for the Cal Express - Turlock Cal Express
- Sockers Weekly Report - December 19, 2019 - San Diego Sockers
- Ontario Fury Adds Local Player to Roster - Ontario Fury
- Stars at Ontario Fury Preview - Tacoma Stars
- Comets Head South for Texas Doubleheader - Kansas City Comets
- Ontario Fury Home Opener December 20th - Ontario Fury
- Game Notes for Sidekicks vs. Comets - Dallas Sidekicks
- 10-Time World Champion Baltimore Blast Invade RP Funding Center Saturday - Florida Tropics SC
- 10-Time World Champion Baltimore Blast Invade RP Funding Center Saturday - Florida Tropics SC
- Lancers Host Holiday Games - Rochester Lancers
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.
