Western Conference Final: San Diego Sockers
Major Arena Soccer League’s “Playoff Game of the Week” will feature a rematch of last season’s most exciting playoff match-ups. The San Diego Sockers (16-7) will host Soles de Sonora (19-3), currently the top team in the MASL. The rivalry match starts at 5:05pm on March 19 at the Valley View Casino Center! First 2000 fans will receive a San Diego Sockers Rally Towel! TICKETS HERE
Last season, the Sockers and Soles faced off in an epic Home and Home playoff series that went all the way to a mini-game. In San Diego, the Soles prevailed 10-5 to win the first game of the series on March 10, 2016. The Sockers fought back two days later to win 13-10 in Sonora, the only away team to win during the 2015-16 season in Sonora, Mexico. However, Sonora ultimately would prevail 6-0 during the mini-game at the end of regulation to reach the MASL Finals vs Baltimore Blast.
The Soles (Suns) of Sonora currently have the league’s best record (19-3), most goals scored (230) and the MASL’s best goal differential at an incredible +110.
“Games against Sonora are always intense. They beat us in the playoffs last year and this is our chance to get some revenge. Obviously they are the top team right now in the league but this year is different.” – Chiky Luna, Director of Player Personnel
The Soles de Sonora and San Diego Sockers feature some of the most prolific strikers in the MASL. Sonora is led by 2015-16 MASL MVP Frank Tayou, who leads the league with 57 goals and 72 total points. Sockers are led by 3x MVP Forward Kraig Chiles with 39 goals, 12 assists and MASL’s top goalkeeper Chris Toth, who leads the MASL is Save percentage (.815) and 2nd in Goals Against Average (3.66).
The Soles de Sonora currently boast a 6W-4L lifetime record over the Sockers, outscoring the Sockers by a total of 17 Goals (SON-70, SOC-63)