East County Sports

Unbeaten Sockers ‘return’ to first

2022-23 LOCAL PROS / SOCKERS INDOOR SOCCER

 

ECS staff report

SAN DIEGO – Only through the idiosyncrasies of professional soccer could an undefeated club not stand in first place.

On Sunday (Jan. 29), the San Diego Sockers took care of this little problem. moving their record to 9-0 on the season with a 6-4 triumph over the Chihuahua  Savage.

Since the Major Arena Soccer League bases the standings on points and not wins or winning percentage, San Diego re-gained the lead of the Western Division, now with 26 points. The lead had been held by idle Mesquite (Texas) Outlaws, who was also caught by the Empire Strykers (Ontario, Calif.) after their win earlier in the day at 24 points.

San Diego also extended its MASL winning streak to 29 contests over two seasons. The Sockers broke the record last weekend in Harrisburg, Pa., by cooling off the host Heat, 11-3.

  • READ ABOUT the record=breaking win HERE.

More Records

In defeating Chihuahua, Sockers oalkeeper Boris Pardo registered 13 saves to gain his 100th career MASL victory to extend his league record. However, it did not come easily.

San Diego carried a 4-1 lead into halftime, but the Savage drew even in the third quarter.

However, Christian Gutierrez tallied the tie-breaking goal at 2:50, then a great wall-ball by Felipe Gonzalez found a wide-open Brandon Escoto in front of the net at 11:01 to cinch the decision.

The Savage developed several scoring chances down the stretch, but Prado kept the visitors at bay in the final period with five solid saves, including stops on a breakaway and a 2-on-1 break.

Prado was named the game’s First Star. Charlie Gonzalez, who recorded his first career hat trick to give San Diego an early 3-1 lead, was the Second Star. Midfielder Christian Gutierrez was the No. 3 Star.

Up Next

The Sockers, the 16-time indoor champions,  continue their trek toward a third consecutive MASL championship  by hosting Mesquite in another first-place showdown on Friday (Feb. 3).

It will be Star Wars Night, so may the (Cleveland) Force be with you. Nite the special starting time of 7:35p.m.

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