The back-to-back defending Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) champion San Diego Sockers take their undefeated 6-0 record to Pennsylvania for two matches against the Harrisburg Heat on Jan. 21 and 22. The Sockers have outscored their opponents 39-19 so far this season, which includes a couple of dramatic one-goal victories against the Empire Strykers, in overtime on Dec. 11, and then versus the Mesquite Outlaws on Dec. 18.
“It’s a talented team with a ton of chemistry,” said team captain Kraig Chiles. Chiles, who played for San Diego State University and Chivas USA, has six goals this season including a hat-trick in the game versus Mesquite.
The Sockers seem to be hitting their offensive stride over the last three matches averaging eight goals while giving up only three per game. The Sockers will play a total of 24 regular season matches this season with five out of the last six at Pechanga Arena in Point Loma.
The team is led in scoring by forward Tavoy Morgan with his seven goals and three assists followed closely by midfielder Brandon Escoto with six goals and three assists. As for their upcoming opponent, the Heat have a 1-6 record with a -25 goal differential.
The Sockers return home after the two games versus Harrisburg to face off against the Chihuahua Savage on Jan. 29. This will be the final season for the back-to-back Ron Newman Cup-winning San Diego Sockers at Pechanga Arena as the team aims for its 17th championship before moving to Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, which will be ready for the start of the 2023-24 season.
Photo courtesy of San Diego Sockers