Soccer News: The San Diego Sockers Take on The Anaheim Bolts Again: Intense Rivalry is Born and Grows

SD SOCKERS HOME OPENER is this coming Saturday.  Don't miss the non-stop action at the Del Mar Arena at the San Diego Fairgrounds.

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Last weekend, the Anaheim Bolts kicked off the PASL Season by taking on the SD Sockers for their Bolt's Home Opener. It was a night of amazingly intense back and forth action.  Another great game is expected this weekend as the SD Sockers kick off their home opener. 

LAST WEEKEND RECAP: The SD Socker's won last Saturday night and the victory at the Anaheim Convention Center was the first time these two teams had met in the arena.  The depth of rivalry was remarkable.

The Anaheim Bolts took 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?  The SD Sockers did not disappoint fans and brough home the victory.

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."

HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED:

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.

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 fierst 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 next Saturday in San Diego."

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.  

This week the rivalry continues at the SD Socker's Home Opener on Saturday, November 19th at the Del Mar Arena in the San Diego Fairgrounds.  After the excitement of last Saturday, anyone who loves great sports should make sure not to miss this match.

All Photography Credit: Peter Huynh for SoccerNation

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