Two Fusion Players added to Sockers roster

The San Diego Sockers today announced they have loaned out the services of defender John Krause to a Turkish Professional Soccer combine in Istanbul for a 10-day period.  Sockers general manager John Kentera announced the move late Wednesday afternoon.

“John has an opportunity to perform in front of dozens of coaches and general managers for an elite league in the Middle East, and we wanted to give him that opportunity,” said Kentera, “He will be back with us in two weeks and we will welcome him back.”

Krause, who has four goals and an assist in eight games, will not be available for Saturday night’s game against the Cincinnati Kings at the Del Mar Arena.  The Sockers will make a corresponding roster move on game day to fill out the starting side of 13 active players.

In addition, the Sockers today announced the signing of two players from their developmental squad, defender Rhett Bernstein and midfielder/forward Nelson Pizarro.  Kentera called the signings an example of the organization’s depth and commitment to developing talent. 

“Pizarro came to us from our tryout camp two years ago and Rhett’s been a big part of the Fusion the last two seasons, we hope they will be able to contribute to the Sockers’ success this year.”

Bernstein, 23, is in his second season with the Fusion after spending time playing outdoor soccer professionally in Sweden, Isreal and Puerto Rico.  He was an outdoor star at Brown University.  Pizarro, 25, was in his first year with the Fusion after spending two seasons with the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS and a year with Miami FC of the USL.  Pizarro was first discovered at the Sockers’ open tryout camp two years ago but returned to play with Kansas City.  He was signed off the San Diego Flash prior to the start of this season.

For the Full San Diego Sockers Schedule, click Schedule