Sockers Media Game Rosters Announced

As the war for supremacy between traditional media and social media outlets continues to rage, the San Diego Sockers have decided to help settle the debate in the fairest way possible: an indoor soccer match. As such, the first-ever Sockers Media Halftime Game will take place on Friday, December 13, during the intermission between the Sockers and the Ontario Fury. 

Team captains were determined for Team Old Media, featuring traditional TV/radio/print outlets, and Team New Media, featuring social media influencers, podcasters, and online journalists. Steven Woods, co-host of Ben and Woods on FM 97.3 “The Fan”, is countered by HJ Preller, co-host of the Gwynntelligence and Making a Points Millionaire podcasts. 

The team captains will be aided by a pair of esteemed Sockers alumni Honorary Coaches. Anthony Medina will serve as the Honorary Coach of Team New Media, while Nate Hetherington will be the Honorary Coach of Team Old Media.

In a wrinkle from previous celeb matches, the Media Halftime Game will be contested 6-v-6 with substitutes, instead of allowing the full rosters on the floor at once. The resultant open space is intended to raise the level of competitiveness and fun.

“This fixture will serve as the definitive result, forever ending the debate between old and new media,” declared Sockers Chief Marketing Officer Craig Elsten, “At least, until next year. No pressure.”

Team Old Media features familiar names such as NBC 7/39 sports anchors Derek Togerson and Darnay Tripp, radio hosts Eddie Pappani (Rock 105.3), Alyssa Rose (FM 94/9) and Cabana Boy Geoff (Channel 933), and San Diego Union-Tribune writer Tod Leonard.  

Team New Media features a mix of influencers from around San Diego, including Scott Lewis, the CEO of Voice of San Diego, Dave Palet from the Dave and Jeff Podcast, Melissa @TheGirlWithBeer, Nick McCann from The Kept Faith podcast, and online soccer reporter Cesar Hernandez from The Athletic, ESPN, and Vice. Full rosters for both sides are listed below. 

In addition to the Halftime Media Game, the December 13 Sockers match vs Ontario serves as the club’s first Charity Sock Toss, benefiting the San Diego Rescue Mission. All fans are asked to bring to the match a new pair or pairs of wrapped socks and underwear, to be tossed on the field after the Sockers score their first goal of the match. All the undergarments will be collected and distributed to the San Diego homeless community via the San Diego Rescue Mission. 

Tickets are available for the Sockers vs Fury December 13 match, including the Halftime Media Game and Charity Sock Toss, by calling (866) 799-GOAL, visiting the Pechanga Arena Box Office, or online at SDSockers.com.