Sockers advance via shutout, Legion rally

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: April 9, 2023

2022-23 G.L.A.S.S. Sports / ulls, Legion,Aviators, Sockers, Seals

San Diego Sockers

MASL Playoffs
West Semifinals

Ny Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

SAN DIEGO – In the most balanced, complete effort of the season, the San Diego Sockers made short work of the Mesquite (Texas) Outlaws, compoleting a 2-game series sweep by blanking the team from the Greater Dallas area, 8-0, Sunday (Apr. 9) at Pechanga Arena.

San Diego (24-2 overall) also ttok Friday’s opener, 7-1.

Sockers goalkeeper Boris Pardo was named the game’s First Star, but it could’ve been almost any defender. Prado only needed to make 10 savesall contest,although two were of the diving variety to preserve the shutout in the fourth quarter.

“Mesquiteis a teamwe had trouble against early in the season,” said Prado. “But everyone handled their jobs and made everything look easy.”

In fact, Mesquite handed San Diego one of its two losses this season, 6-05, 6-5, on Feb.18 Since them the Sockers have won 10 consecutive contests, including both postseason fixtures.

Veteran forward Kraig Chiles, a three-time league MVP, tallied five points via a hat trick and two assists. One of his goals came on a direct free kick that set perfectly just inside th left goal post and an inch under the crossbar — oneof his specialties.

Cesar Cerda also scored twice for the Sockers, which are seeking their third consecutive Ron Newman Cup as champions of the Major Arena Soccer League.

The Sockers advance to the MASL Western Conference championship series, meeting the victor of the other semifinals series between Monterrey and Chihuahua.

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San Diego Legion
MLR Rugby

TUKWILA, Wash. – In a near-identical score as in the 2019 Major League Rugby championship game held in USD’s Torero Stadium, the San Diego Legion gained a measure of revenge.

In a battle for first place, the Legion nipped the Seattle Seawolves, 23-20, gto gain sole possession of first place in the division. The match was held Saturday (Apr. 8) at Starfire Sports Stadium.

The Legion (6-1 overall) received trys by Faka Pifeleti 37’, Nate Augspurger 60’ and Nate Augspurger 64’.