SAN DIEGO SWEEPS EL PASO

by Ian Cook

SAN DIEGO (February 16, 2017) - The San Diego Sockers have one step in the door to the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs. Following a 10-3 win over the El Paso Coyotes, the Sockers are on the verge of claiming the top spot in the Pacific Division.

San Diego will have to wait until next week to actually clinch its playoff spot because the Tacoma Stars fell on the road to Pacific Division rivals, Ontario.

The Sockers eventually cruised to a big victory in front of over 2500 fans, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

The El Paso Coyotes came out searching for their first win of the season. The Coyotes started strongly with an opener from Julio Frias just 43 seconds in.

The Sockers responded with two quick goals from Kraig Chiles and Matt Clare.

El Paso replied immediately with a goal of their own from Eric Hernandez.  San Diego then showed its class, scoring five unanswered goals.

Eight different Sockers’ players got their name on the scoresheet, including veterans Brian Farber, Anthony Medina, and Eddie Velez.

Ray Reza, Luan Oliveira and Brandon Escoto rounded out the scoring for the Sockers on the night.

Chiles earned player of the game honors for his two goals, one assist display on the night.