The San Diego Sockers, perennial kings of arena soccer, open their defense of the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) title at the Valley View Casino Center (formerly the San Diego Sports Arena) on Nov. 3 against the expansion Sacramento Surge team. On top of that, the Sockers will be putting a 37-game win streak on the line. They’re three away from the all-time record, which makes this game an interesting matchup. Accommodatingly, three of the first four in a 16-game season will be on the home floor. Other home games will be played against Phoenix, Mexico, Tacoma, Anaheim, Turlock, Dallas and Arizona. After three unbeaten seasons at the Del Mar Arena, the team returns to a home where it captured sports fans’ favor. Winning 10 championships seemed to be routine every time they reached the arena floor. San Diego has not lost a home game since entering the PASL, going a perfect 35-0 at the Del Mar Arena all-time. The PASL playoffs and championship game will be held at the Center on March 10-11. “The PASL has expanded dramatically and this should be the most challenging year yet for the Sockers,” said Sockers general manager John Kentera in reaction to the schedule’s release. “With returning rivals Anaheim, Tacoma and Phoenix and tough new franchises like Dallas coming into the league, we expect to have our hands full this season. This will be the greatest year yet to come and bring out the family for indoor excitement at the VVCC.” The expanded 19-team PASL in-cludes a newly formed Pacific Division, which will include the Sockers, Anaheim Bolts, Tacoma Stars, Turlock Express and the Surge. A Southwest Division has been added, featuring expansion teams Las Vegas Legends and Real Phoenix, as well as the returning Arizona Storm and the Toros de Mexico (formerly Revolucion Tijuana). Season tickets are available by calling (866) 799-GOAL. Here is the schedule for the Sockers’ upcoming season: • Nov. 3 — Sacramento Surge, 7:05 p.m. • Nov. 10 — Real Phoenix, 7:05 p.m. • Nov. 17 — at Arizona Storm, TBA • Nov. 24 — Mexico Toros, 7:05 p.m. • Dec. 1 — at Tacoma Stars, TBA • Dec. 9 — at Real Phoenix, TBA • Dec. 15 — Tacoma, 7:05 p.m. • Dec. 22 — Anaheim Bolts, 7:05 p.m. • Jan. 5, 2013 — Turlock Express, 7:05 p.m. • Jan. 25 — at Harrisburg Heat, TBA • Jan. 27 — at Dallas Sidekicks, 4:05 p.m. • Feb. 1 — Dallas, 7:35 p.m. • Feb. 2 — at Anaheim, 7:05 p.m. • Feb. 5 — at Las Vegas Legends, 7:05 p.m. • Feb. 10 — Arizona, 5:05 p.m. • Feb. 17 — at Mexico, TBA • March 10-11 — PASL Ron Newman Cup Finals, TBA