Perera Hits 500, Sets Up OT Winner as Sockers Stun Stars 7–6 at Frontwave Arena
- Jonathan Turner
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Perera Hits 500, Sets Up OT Winner as Sockers Stun Stars 7–6 at Frontwave Arena
Nick Perera delivered a vintage, all-time performance when the San Diego Sockers needed it most.
Perera scored twice and added three assists, including the dramatic equalizer with five seconds left in regulation and the overtime helper on Sebastian Mendez’s golden goal, as the Sockers pulled out a thrilling 7–6 win over the Tacoma Stars on Sunday night at Frontwave Arena in front of 3,023 fans. Overtime ended at 2:53 when Perera corralled a forward pass along the left wing and slipped the ball into the path of Mendez, who buried a skipping shot inside the right post for his second goal of the night and the game-winner. The arena erupted as Mendez celebrated by tossing his shirt into the crowd.
San Diego (7-4-1, 21 points), ravaged by injuries and missing a dozen players including six All-MASL performers, leaned heavily on its captain—and Perera delivered everything they could have asked for. His last-second equalizer, a deft redirection of a centering pass from Gabriel Costa with six attackers on the floor and an empty net behind him, marked the 500th point of his MASL career. Moments later, his overtime assist gave him point No. 501 (247 goals, 254 assists), making him just the third player in league history to reach the milestone.
“It was a scary moment there, and the game was on the line,” Perera said. “I’m really, really happy to get that goal and give us a chance, and then obviously Sebastian with a huge goal to win the game.”
The Sockers were dealt another blow early when club career points leader Kraig Chiles exited in the first quarter with a knee injury. Already without forward Tavoy Morgan, San Diego relied on Perera as a focal point on the low block whenever he was on the floor.
“I’m just healthy,” Perera said, downplaying the flu he battled all week. “I’m available to be selected. That’s the best way I can lead the team right now.”
Tacoma (7-4-1, 20 points) appeared to have the match won late and suffered a brutal road defeat, falling to 0-3-1 away from home. Tyler John led the Stars with two goals and two assists, repeatedly powering through defenders on the counterattack.
After a tense opening, Tacoma struck first at 10:35 of the opening quarter when Logan Jones finished a give-and-go with John for a 1–0 lead. Seconds later, confusion over a long outlet from goalkeeper Boris Pardo froze the Stars defense, allowing Perera to control, turn, and score at 11:20 to tie the match. Leonardo de Oliveira then produced a highlight-reel goal at 12:41, hammering a half-volley off the underside of the crossbar to give San Diego a 2–1 lead after one.
San Diego extended the advantage early in the second when Costa set up Drew Ruggles on a 2-on-1 break, but Tacoma answered quickly through Nani Mendoza. The Stars tied the match at 3–3 just before halftime when John slid in at the far post to finish a Yahir Romero feed.
The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth shootout. Mendez, Adrian Reyes, and Perera fueled the Sockers offense, but Tacoma answered every surge. Goals from Adrian Correa, John, and Chase Hanson gave the Stars a 6–5 lead heading into the fourth.
Despite relentless pressure, San Diego struggled to break through late. With the clock winding down and six attackers deployed, Perera finally delivered, redirecting Costa’s pass with five seconds remaining to tie the match and send Frontwave Arena into a frenzy.
The drama wasn’t finished. Tacoma appeared to win it on a last-ditch chance after the restart, but video review confirmed the horn sounded before the ball crossed the line, forcing overtime.
Moments later, Perera and Mendez combined one final time to seal a remarkable comeback.
The Sockers now turn their attention to Saturday night’s Alumni Night matchup against Utica City FC at Frontwave Arena. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., with the match airing on MASL TV. Tickets are available at sdsockers.com and frontwavearena.com.
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