San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro delivered the game-winning RBI basehit in the clinching fourth game of the World Series, helping the ballclub claim their second baseball championship in three seasons after sweeping the Detroit Tigers.
In indoor soccer, Rancho San Diego’s Anthony Medina flourished in similar fashion last March, also against a Detroit based opponent. The Valhalla High School alum tallied the go-ahead goal which eventually gave the San Diego Sockers their third consecutive (and 13th overall) championship.
San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro delivered the game-winning RBI basehit in the clinching fourth game of the World Series, helping the ballclub claim their second baseball championship in three seasons after sweeping the Detroit Tigers.
In indoor soccer, Rancho San Diego’s Anthony Medina flourished in similar fashion last March, also against a Detroit based opponent. The Valhalla High School alum tallied the go-ahead goal which eventually gave the San Diego Sockers their third consecutive (and 13th overall) championship.
“No one ever told it to me in those terms before—I guess I did,” said Medina, who powered a shot to the far post to give San Diego a 3-2 lead en route to as 10-7 title clinching triumph over the Detroit Waza.
The rebirth of the Sockers has so far proven to be a dynasty fast-approaching the success of the original Ron Newman coached Sockers which captured 10 crowns over 11 seasons. To reclaim some of that glory, the current incarnation of the Sockers is relocating from Del Mar Arena at the fairgrounds — where they never lost as home game in three seasons — and returning to the San Diego Sports Arena (now named Valley View Casino Center).
“We want to attract more fans, so we need to continue playing good soccer,” added Medina. “We want to attract people who understand and appreciate soccer, and we want to market to families who come and see the entertainment value of our sport so we can continue to build on what we’ve done over the last three years.”
The Sockers, which went undefeated last season and have captured 36 consecutive games over two seasons, open the 2012-13 Professional Arena Soccer League schedule at home Saturday against the expansion Sacramento Surge. Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m.
“Some people talk about the record—it’s in the back of your mind, so it would be nice to accomplish this,” added Medina.
An indoor football holds the North America professional sports mark with 40 straight wins. The only other team currently close to the Sockers is the Washington (D.C.) Kastles of World Team Tennis, led by standout singles champion Venus Williams.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s return to “the madhouse on Mission Bay” will be special to Medina.
“This is where it all started — I grew up watching the Sockers growing up as a kid,” he added. “This is where I was introduced to soccer, so it will be extra-special to come back here and try to break the record.”
Of course, the Sockers are among the favorites to again capture the Ron Newman Cup championship.
“That’s one thing we’re looking for,” he said. “Most of the core is back, so it should be business as usual, except everyone is after you — everyone wants to beat us with extra focus.”
“No matter what league or what sport, it’s always challenging.”
Along with Medina, the Sockers return two-time reigning PASL most valuable player Kraig Chiles, two-time goalie of the year Riley Swift, and team captain Aaron Susi.
Meanwhile, former Grossmont High standout Paul Wright, who played last season for the PASL Anaheim Bolts, signed a 1-year contract to play his 24th professional season with the Sockers.
