Sockers Weekly Report
Published on January 15, 2020 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
Bond Breaks Out
A former 40 goal scorer in the MASL, forward Taylor Bond has been asked to play a more defensive role in San Diego, but injuries have given Bond an opportunity to tie his scoring boots back on. Bond led the Sockers against Ontario with two goals and an assist, and has three goals in his last two matches, equaling his goal total from his first season with the Sockers.
Getting Healthy at the Right Time
San Diego pulled out a win in their last match against Ontario despite missing several key players. Having returned to training over the past week, midfielder Hiram "Pollo" Ruiz and defender Luis "Peewee" Ortega are both expected to return to the lineup against Mesquite. Forward Erick Tovar returns from suspension. All-time leading scorer Kraig Chiles (hip) is now listed as probable.
Farber Chips In Key Assist
Veteran midfielder Brian Farber is off to a strong start in his fifteenth pro season of arena soccer, with at least one point in all seven of his matches. While his six-match goal-scoring streak ended against the Fury, Farber contributed a half-field aerial assist to Taylor Bond. On the season Farber has seven goals and two assists (nine points) in seven matches.
Captain on Ice
Hampered by a series of lower body injuries, Kraig Chiles has been held scoreless in his last four appearances, the longest scoring drought of his career. A hip injury forced Chiles out of the lineup against Ontario. On the season, Chiles has recorded three goals and two assists in six matches played.
In Slav We Trust
Midfield acquisition Slavisa Ubiparipovic scored a goal and added an assist in the Sockers' 4-3 win over the Ontario Fury, and continues to lead the Sockers in goals (9) and points (15). "Slav" has contributed six blocked shots to the club's defense. Ubiparipovic has recorded multi-point games in each of his last four matches (six goals, four assists, 10 points).
Around the Western Conference
The Monterrey Flash (11-0), Sockers (7-1), Soles de Sonora
(4-5) and Tacoma Stars (4-6) currently hold playoff positions in the Western Conference. Ontario (2-6) and Dallas (2-8) sit at the bottom of the conference ladder. The standings will see a shakeup in the coming weeks, as inter-conference play begins in earnest.
The Sockers (7-1) conclude a four-match homestand with their first-ever meeting against the Mesquite Outlaws, a MASL expansion franchise from the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas. The Outlaws enter the week with a 3-5 record (1-1 road), and will play in Turlock against the Cal Express on Saturday night before traveling to San Diego.
The Sockers are riding a seven-match winning streak, including a 4-3 win over the Ontario Fury in their last fixture on January 5. After facing Mesquite, San Diego will head out on a six-match road trip, and play nine of ten away from Pechanga Arena.
Slavisa Ubiparipovic leads the Sockers in goals (9) and points (15). Goalkeeper Boris Pardo is coming off a season-best 17 save performance against the Fury.
Indoor veteran and former Socker Jamie Lovegrove wears the captain's armband for Mesquite, and leads the club in goals (8) and points (12).
The Sockers will welcome the SD Loyal to town during a halftime ceremony featuring Warren Smith and Landon Donovan.
Fans attending the game will receive a FREE Sockers/Loyal Rally Towel, while supplies last.
The team is also hosting a pregame Family Fan Fiesta at the north parking lot of Pechanga Arena San Diego from 3:00-5:00pm.
The San Diego Blood Bank mobile will be onsite for the third annual Sockers Blood Drive. Fans are encouraged to donate blood.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from January 15, 2020
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