The San Diego Sockers will begin the home defense of their 2009-2010 Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL-Pro) North American Championship by taking on the Tacoma Stars at the Del Mar Arenaon Saturday

(November 20).

The Sockers celebrate last season's championship.

^{Photo by Dan McLellan}

This year’s team features many of the same players that brought San Diego its 11^th soccer championship last season, including Dan Antoniuk, Kraig Chiles, Chiki Luna, Scott Martin, Anthony Medina, Diego Rovira, Aaron Susi and even Paul Wright, who had announced his retirement.

In addition, new general manager John Kentera has secured new talent by signing new key players like John Krause, a defender from the Puerto Rican national outdoor team, and Majell Aterado, a talented midfielder that played the last two seasons for the Sockers chief rival, the California Cougars.

“Majell is a player I've known and wanted to coach for a long time,” says Sockers head coach Phil Salvagio, “He's smart and tough and can really handle the ball.”

This last Sunday, Alterdao and Krause made an immediate impact when the Sockers defeated the Cougars, 10-6, in the season opener at the Stockton Arena.

The two newcomers scored the first and last goals of a five-goal third period. Krause's goal finished the uprising and was a short-handed blast from beyond the yellow line. It was a shot that highlighted an evening of especially great play by the Sockers' power play and penalty kill units.

Luna scored his two goals on San Diego's first two power plays of the season and the team was 2-for-4 with the man advantage. In addition, the Sockers' penalty kill not only stopped the Cougar’s first two attempts, they scored short-handed twice, with Krause and Rovira netting the “shorties.” Overall, the Sockers' penalty kill stopped 2-of-3 Cougars' man advantages.

Goal keeper Riley Swift, the all PASL-Pro keeper and MVP of last season’s championship game, made 16 saves, including several point blank stops. The win improves Swift’s starting record in PASL-Pro play to 14-1.

Now the Sockers turn their attention to their home opener when they take on the Tacoma Stars. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a free Sockers Championship Commemorative T-Shirt presented by SoccerFanatic. The T-shirt will feature a new logo commemorating the San Diego Sockers' 11 major indoor championships.

Pregame festivities will include the hanging of the Sockers' newest championship banner from the Del Mar Arena rafters.

In addition, the Sockers have announced a number of new promotions and activities to enhance the family fun experience. The north end of the Arena will now feature a new Kids' Zone for children ages 2-12, including an inflatable MegaSlide. The Del Mar Fairgrounds will also offer a Kids' Meal with a hot dog, soda, popcorn or cookie for $7.

Tickets for the Sockers are still the best professional sports deal in town, starting at $10.40 for grandstand up to $19.50 for floor seats right up next to the glass.

Fans who want a more comfortable, upscale venue from which to watch the Sockers action at the Del Mar Arena can now purchase $25 tickets to the Arena Room on the eastern end of the Arena. The Arena Room is closed from the elements and includes a bar and televisions. Tickets to the Arena Room as well as all other tickets are available at the gate, through Ticketmaster, online at www.sdsockers.com or by phone at 866-799-GOAL.