Sockers Extend The Contracts Of Three Veterans

The San Diego Sockers - presented by Kaiser Permanente - announced today the contract extensions of three key players: Mitchell Cardenas, Cesar Cerda, and Christian Gutierrez. Each player has signed a five-year extension, solidifying their role in the team's future. As per MASL regulations, the terms of the contract will not be released.

Cardenas, 32, is a dynamic defender who combines skill and toughness with the calm and poise necessary to play out of the back. In his three seasons with the club, he has teamed up with Guerrero Pino to form the most challenging on-ball defending combo in the MASL. Since joining the club, he has blocked 51 shots and added (5G-17A) 22 points.

Cerda, 30, a versatile defender who was named to the 2022/23 All MASL Second Team, has been a cornerstone of the Sockers' defense for the past seven seasons. He has had double-digit point totals in six of his seven years in San Diego. The 10-year MASL veteran has scored 72 goals, 84 assists for 156 points. He has recorded 20 blocked shots in each of the past two campaigns.

Gutierrez, 32, has grown into an integral two-way performer for the Sockers, bringing speed and intensity to the floor every time he plays. In five seasons with the team, he has scored 59 of his 171 career goals. He was the playoff hero during the Sockers' 2021 Ron Newman Cup run, “Golden Gutierrez” netted back-to-back overtime game-winning goals to kick off the Sockers’ playoff run, beating Tacoma in the opening round. Gutierrez assisted on Brian Farber’s golden goal in the semifinals against Florida, then scored the game-winner in the second game.

General Manager Sean Bowers said, "We are incredibly excited to secure the future of these three outstanding players. Their talent, dedication, and passion for the game have been instrumental in our success. This is a clear statement of our intent to continue having a team capable of competing at the highest level for years to come."

In the only other off-season move to date, San Diego added the 2023 MASL Newcomer of the Year Gabriel Costa. In 2022-23, the talented forward played in 19 games with the Empire Strykers. He scored 18 goals and had 22 assists for 40 points in his rookie season.

The Sockers will return to Pechanga Arena San Diego for the upcoming season beginning in December. The full MASL schedule is expected to be announced this fall. Season ticket memberships are available by calling (866) 799-GOAL or at sdsockers.com/memberships.