San Diego Sockers Short-Circuit Louisville Lightning to Go 4-0

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The San Diego Sockers handily defeated the Louisville Lightning 11-5 in PASL-Pro action in front of an enthusiastic crowd celebrating Military Appreciation Night at the Del Mar Arena. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Paul Wright scores the first of his two goals of the night against the Louisville Lightning as the Sockers goes on to win 11-5. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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San Diego Sockers goalie Riley Swift prepares for another Lightning attack during the Sockers 11-5 victory. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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San Diego Sockers goalie Riley Swift gathers in a Louisville Lightning shot during the Sockers' 11-5 victory in PASL-Pro action at the Del Mar Arena. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers forward Aaron Susi battles the Lightning's Jonathon Kincheloe for the ball along the boards during San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers team captain Aaron Susi receives treatment for a shin injury during the Sockers' 11-5 victory over the Louisville Lightning. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers defender Scott Martin and Lightning goalkeeper Frank Peabody battle for the ball during San Diego's 11-5 victory in PASL-Pro action. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers defender Miguel "Chiky" Luna scores in a shootout against Lightning goalie Frank Peabody during San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville in PASL-Pro action . Del Mar, USA. 04/12/2010

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Lightning goalkeeper Frank Peabody stops a breakaway attack by Sockers midfielder Majell Aterado during San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Lightning goalie Frank Peabody hauls in a Sockers' shot during San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/2010.

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Sockers midfielder Diego Rovira beats Lightning goalkeeper Frank Peabody for the second of his three goals in San Diego's 11-5 victory. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers midfielder Diego Rovira prepares to celebrate his second goal of the night by kicking a ball into the stands, a San Diego tradition. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers goalie Riley Swift blocks a Lightning shot during San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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Sockers goalkeeper Riley Swift foils the Lightning's Adam Boyer during a shootout in the fourth quarter of San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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The Sockers defense wall fails to hold off a Lightning penalty kick during San Diego's 11-5 victory over Louisville. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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The San Diego Sockers celebrate their 11-5 victory over the Louisville Lightning in PASL-Pro action at the Del Mar Arena. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

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The San Diego Sockers celebrate their 11-5 victory over the Louisville Lightning in PASL-Pro action at the Del Mar Arena. Del Mar, USA. 04/12/10

Report current story

A sharp and well-rested San Diego Sockers team easily defeated a Louisville Lightning team just coming off a difficult 13-7 victory over La Revolución de Tijuana the night before. In spite of scoring the first goal just two minutes into the game, the Lightning spent most of the night playing defense and trying to catch up to the Sockers. The differences in the two teams was especially evident during a late first period-early second period flurry by the Sockers that eventually led to a 6-2 halftime score. The win keeps the Sockers perfect for the season at 4-0 and continues their undefeated home streak from their return to the floor in the 2009-2010 PASL-Pro season.

The Lightning's Darren Yeagle scored first after a Sockers' breakdown, but Paul Wright quickly evened the tally at 1-1. After the two teams traded goals again, Aaron Susi and Diego Rovira netted goals to put the home team up 4-2, and the Sockers never looked back. Wright scored his second of the night and Kraig Chiles scored the first of his two game goals during the second period for the four-point halftime lead.

The second half began much as the first, with the Lightning scoring to cut the Sockers' lead to 3 before San Diego again began to light up the board. The barrage included a short-hand goal by Rovira just before the end of the third period, a shootout goal by Chiles, and a third Rovira goal in the fourth to give the midfielder a hat trick for the night. Perhaps the most telling play of the night, however, came on a shootout awarded to the Lightning following a penalty in the Sockers' goal zone. As Adam Boyer approached the goal, netkeeper Riley Swift darted out to meet him, cutting down the angles and forcing a shot that he kicked away to his left.

The night was not all the Sockers way. Forward Aaron Susi, back from a game off for personal reasons, was bothered by an injury to his right shin that required some time with the team trainer. A larger problem was the failure twice of the Sockers' defense wall on penalty kicks, both times leading to Lightning goals. No doubt this will be the subject of extra practice as the team prepares for four consecutive away games over the next three weeks. The next home game will be Wednesday, December 29, for the Open Cup SW Finals. For more information about schedule and opponents, visit the Sockers website ate www.sdsockers.com.