Scott Martin tries to put one past Texas Outlaws keeper, Clark Elmore. Photos: Mark Nord/Mark Nord Photography
Kraig Chiles looks on as his shot sails past Texas defender Jose Castro and in to the net for another Sockers goal.
Paul Wright takes a shot on goal during the third quarter. Photos by Mark Nord/ Mark Nord Photography
By Hector Trujillo Contributor The San Diego Sockers improved their record to 10-1 on Saturday after defeating the visiting Texas Outlaws, 14-7. Sockers' players Miguel Luna, Kraig Chiles, and Diego Rovira all had hat tricks, helping San Diego pull away in the second half.
"We were able to find places to attack early and exploited those as the game progressed," Luna said. "It was a big win for us after playing two tough road games."
San Diego had suffered its first loss of the season on the road at the hands of Calgary United, 6-4, but bounced back the following game against Edmonton, 5-4, with an overtime goal by Luna.
On Saturday, the Sockers fell behind against Texas in the first minute of play when they blew coverage. They came back to tie the game with 8:27 left in the first quarter after an outstanding shot by forward Paul Wright. Both teams then traded scores for most of the first-half until the Sockers went on a scoring rampage with three goals in the final five minutes.
With the score 8-5 at halftime, San Diego continued their onslaught in the third quarter with two early goals by forward Chiles.
Chiles, who leads the league with 24 goals, also had scored early in the second quarter.
The Sockers' victory on Saturday was the team's second against Texas this season. They beat the Outlaws, 7-5, on the road on Nov. 15.
"We are in a definite position to put ourselves where we need to be," said Wright. "The team is back to playing its best soccer at the right time and with the playoffs right around the corner."
San Diego goes on the road for the next three games, starting on Jan. 28 against the defending champion Stockton Cougars. The Sockers have taken the first two games against Stockton this season, with both decided in overtime.
San Diego's next home game is not until Feb. 26 against Revolucion Tijuana.
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