CHILES SET TO BREAK LONG-TIME SOCKERS RECORD

by Jeff Husted

SAN DIEGO (Dec 9, 2016) – The San Diego Sockers are at the top of the Major Arena Soccer League’s Pacific Division table as they head into the 7th week of the season. They have the chance to pull away from the rest of the division with a win and extend their current win streak to three games.

While fans will be cheering on the likes of Matt Clare, Max Touloute and Erick Tovar, all eyes will be on forward Kraig Chiles. The eight year veteran of the team has the chance to become San Diego’s all-time scorer this weekend, a 25 year old record currently held by Branko Segota.

Chiles is the longest tenured player currently on the roster. He played his first game with the Sockers in 2009. Back then, Chiles was just a young inexperienced player, next to arena soccer legends Paul Wright, Aaron Susi and current Sockers GM Sean Bowers. He quickly made a name for himself scoring an average of over 40 goals per season since then. Now he finds himself sitting on 296 goals, three short of the All-Time San Diego Sockers record.

“I just love the sport of indoor soccer and have dedicated myself to helping it to grow and making the Sockers successful,” said Chiles.

“I’m lucky to have been surrounded by a ton of talented players…this season, playing with Max (Touloute) and Matt (Clare) has really helped me to pursue this record.”

Ten years ago, the idea of being a record setter was far from his mind, but as his career grew and accolades grew, the idea slowly crept into view.

“I’ve known about the record for a few years now, but when I passed Julie Vee for second last year, it started to seem attainable.”

By his estimation, Chiles has about 50 hat tricks in his career. Another one on Friday night would give him the record. While there will likely be some kind of ceremony should it happen in the game, it is not the only celebration he is looking for this year.

“I think the Sockers have proven we are for real this year. A championship is really the only goal for us. It’s nice to be winning and scoring now, but hopefully we are finding our form in February and March.”

The San Diego Sockers host the Turlock Express on Friday, December 9th at 7:35 p.m. PT / 10:35 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed live on the MASL You Tube Channel, MASLtv.