DALLAS TAKES WISL CROWN

The Dallas Sidekicks defeated the San Diego Sockers in the mini-game of the World Indoor Soccer League (WISL) Finals 2-1. Earlier in the evening, the Sockers leveled the series by defeating Dallas 5-4 but fell short when Armando Valdivia scored a golden goal in the decisive game. Aaron Susi tallied 2 goals on the night for the Sockers.

In the first game, San Diego took the lead early, with Joey Martinez scoring just 47 seconds into the game. Susi added the second goal with a great individual effort. Two goals from Sidekicks tied the game. The Sockers seemed to take control of the game with 2 goals in 33 seconds from Mariano Bollella and Carlos "Chile" Farias and sent San Diego into halftime with a 4-2 lead. But David Doyle tied the game for Dallas with 2 goals in the 3rd Quarter. In the Fourth, San Diego came right back as Matthew Stewart scored the game clincher to force Game Three.

In the Mini-Game, San Diego took an early advantage with a goal from Susi. However, Tatu tied the game a moments later. After tying the first 10-minute frame, the game moved into Sudden Death. With the Sockers on the power-play, Brad Flannigan challenged Sockers goalkeeper Deszo "DJ" Horvath and the ball bounced kindly to Valdivia, who ended the Sockers' season with a short-handed goal at 2:11 of Overtime.

The expansion Sockers finished the regular season in first place with a 14-10 record and will join the Major Indoor Soccer League for the 2002-3 Season.