Soccer News: The Anaheim Bolts vs San Diego Sockers: Intense Rivalry is Born

Pro Soccer News: Anaheim Bolts hit the Arena for the first time for their Home Opener last night and lost to the San Diego Sockers in an amazingly intense game of back and forth action.

Orange County's new team in the PASL this season has arrived and is one to watch.

The SD Socker's victory at the Anaheim Convention Center was the first time these two teams met in the arena and the depth of rivalry was remarkable. The Bolts were taking on two-time PASL Champs the SD Sockers and while fans knew both teams were good, the big question for the night was who will win and would it be a close game?

SD Socker's General Manager John Kentera says, "We were a little rusty in the first half. Our team played at a much higher level in second half. Have a lot of work to do. The Anaheim Bolts played with much more intensity than we did in the first half. We were our own worst enemy at times."

Bernie Lilavois, the Bolts' head coach and managing partner says,  "We fell apart at the end, it was obvious.  It was a tough game for 3/4 and the Anaheim Bolts were ahead, then we just fell part against the depth of the SD Socker's experience.  There is not a single rookie on their team.  For the Anaheim Bolts, 11 indoor rookies played last night for their first time.  When you look at it like that, we are in a good spot.  We can go up from here.  We were ahead for most of the night.  This really sets the stage for a great game in six days."

San Diego Sockers' Kraig Chiles scored a hat trick and added three assists as San Diego beat the Anaheim Bolts wih a final score of 10-6.

The Anaheim Bolts scored the opening goal when Enrique Tovar sent a power shot into the goal. SD Socker's Brian Farber evened the score with an unassisted goal and then Anaheim Bolts' Miguel Sanchez scored to put his team in the lead at the close of the first quarter. 

At half time, the new PASL team, the Anaheim Bolts were winning 4 to 3. Everytime one team scored, the other scored next. The back-and-forth game turned in the fourth quarter, when the SD Sockers powered up and took over the arena.  Although the Bolt's Hugo Casillas scored the first goal of the fourth quarter, SD Sockers gained control of the game and their determination to win came through.

SD Sockers' midfielder Eric Wunderle scored a pair of goals, Dan Antoniuk took his turn finding the back of the net and Kraig Chiles erupted for another goal. Brian Farber closed the night with the last goal bringing the final score to 10-6 after a tight game.

“It was awesome. An awesome experience,” told ESPN. “And to have the boys come out so fired up and have the lead almost 3½ quarters of the game, you couldn't write the book better, you know?” The two teams will meet again at the Del Mar Arena on Saturday, November 19th for the SD Sockers' home opener. 

The PASL season started today and continues until late February.  Then come the playoffs, and a U.S. Open Cup competition will run concurrently. The Bolts' first-round game is tentatively set for December 3 in Anaheim.

Whether on a date or hanging out with the boys, or looking for great family enterntainment, attending a game of indoor soccer is an exciting way to spend an evening.  Tickets to the Anaheim Bolts are reasonable, starting at $12 and $14 per ticket for arena seats in the rows and $20 for floor seats that are right on top of the action. [To see the arena floor in 3D click here]

Players in indoor soccer do not make a lot of money, often earning only a few hundred dollars per game. They play for the love of the sport. The players need your support to come out and watch the games!  Tickets are still available for tonight's game through Ticketmaster, or if you want to avoid the fees you can call our box office directly. If fans want season tickets, they can call the Bolts home office at 714-321-9898

All Photography Credit: Peter Huynh for SoccerNation

SD SOCKERS SCHEDULE - click here

Related Article: SD Sockers News and Anaheim Bolts News

Team Websites: SD Sockers and Anaheim Bolts