“It is not going to be easy to win our 12^th indoor title,” says San Diego Sockers general manager John Kentera. He points out that every team in the league has improved since last year. With that said, Kentera believes this year’s team has an excellent chance to repeat, and is excited by the way San Diego is embracing the Sockers.

“People are really fired up about this Sockers team," he says. "Hopefully they will come out next week.”

On Saturday (November 27) the Sockers will host their chief rivals, the California Cougars of Stockton, at the Del Mar Arena (6:15 p.m.).

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free Sockers logo T-shirt, courtesy of Sonic, America's Drive-In. The game can also be viewed via a live Webcast; and Channel 4 San Diego will air it on Wednesday (December 1).

The San Diego Sockers opened their 2010-11 home campaign by defeating the Tacoma Stars, 8-6, in front of 3,064 fans at the Del Mar Arena. “It was a great crowd for opening night,” says Kentera. With the win, the Sockers remained undefeated at home since the franchise returned last season.

Sockers celebrate a Kraig Chiles goal.

^{Photo by Stephen Prendergas}

The Sockers won the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro), last year. This was an amazing feat considering the Sockers were technically an expansion team.

The team’s 11th championship banner has been unveiled. “I don't think we had a crowd that big all last season,” star forward Kraig Chiles remarked. “It gave us all a lot of energy and we wanted to show the crowd what we can do.”

Midway through the first period, Chiles scored the first goal of the night and would go on to have three-point performance (two goals and an assist) earning him Sockers Player of the Week status.

By the end of the first period the Sockers had a 4-1 lead. Aaron Susi scored twice in the early action taking advantage of the Stars’ decision to apply high pressure in the defensive zone.

Tacoma’s aggressive defense paid off in a scoreless second quarter, but Diego Rovira brought the Del Mar Arena crowd to life with two goals in the third including one set up on a beautiful give-and-go by defender John Krause.

“I was going to come off the field but Krause gave me a look and then left a perfect ball for me,” says Rovira. “I was excited to be able to help the team put away the game.”

However, the game was not yet secured. The Stars made a pair of fourth quarter comebacks led by player/coach Greg Howes who had two goals and two assists on the evening. It would take fourth quarter goals by Dan Antoniuk and Chiles to secure the victory for the Sockers.

“I am glad it was close,” says assistant head coach Ray Talia. He says for many in attendance it was their first time experiencing a Sockers game. The close game not only provided excitement but it legitimized the competiveness of the league, and with that, the legitimacy of the Sockers championship.

PASL-Pro Western Division Standings

San Diego Sockers 2-0

Revolucion Tijuana 2-0

Tacoma Stars 1-2

California Cougars 0-2