Brandon Escoto recorded his first hat trick since Feb. 28, 2021, as the San Diego Sockers took down the Tacoma Stars for the fourth time this season.

Escoto recorded a point on each of San Diego’s first four scores, scoring three goals and adding an assist. The 28-year-old Tijuana native has 13 points (seven goals and six assists) in four matches against Tacoma this season.

San Diego extended their win streak to eight games, and they have a point in all 12 matches so far. Their one loss came at home at the hands of the Ontario Fury in overtime.

Kraig Chiles reached double-digits with his 10th goal of the season that gave the Sockers their first of three two-goal leads.

Christian Gutierrez scored the team’s final two goals and places second on the Sockers with 12 goals this season, three behind Tavoy Morgan who saw his playing time limited once again as he recovers from an injury.

The defense continued for San Diego in Friday night’s match. Sockers’ goalkeeping has limited the opponent to exactly three goals in each of the last four games.

Goalkeeper Boris Pardo made 11 saves while playing all 60 minutes, as his Tacoma counterpart also made 11 saves but allowed five goals.

What’s next?

The two MASL clubs will battle once again Saturday, Feb. 12 for the fifth head-to-head matchup this season. The Sockers have an all-time record of 23-4 against the Stars that includes winning 14 of the last 15 meetings.