The San Diego Sockers once played at the San Diego Sports Arena where the indoor soccer franchise established a legacy that included championships.

The team doesn't play there anymore and the franchise is in a new generation but it is continuing a tradition. It still wins championships.

The Sockers clinched the PASL-Pro Western Division title and a berth in the U.S. Open title match with a 5-0 win against the hosting Tacoma Stars on Saturday. It was San Diego's second straight win against the Stars in as many days. The Sockers beat Tacoma 13-4 on Friday.

The pair of wins also helped the Sockers (11-2) clinch a bye in the PASL-Pro North American Championships in March. San Diego is the defending champion.

San Diego's win against the Stars (8-6) on Saturday was the team’s first shutout since the days it played at the Sports Arena.

Goalkeeper Riley Swift earned the shutout for the Sockers and added his second assist of the season. It was the defense that helped keep the team in the match, led by defender Ze Roberto, who poked away three dangerous balls off the goal line to preserve the shutout.

Sockers captain Aaron Susi had a goal and assist, while Diego Rovira scored his 16th goal of the year.

The win Saturday also helped the Sockers earn home field advantage for the U.S. Open Championship when it hosts Cincinnati or Louisville on March 19 at the Del Mar Arena.

In their first win against Tacoma at the Tacoma Soccer Center last week, Kraig Chiles scored five goals, a career high. Brian Farber scored four goals and Rovira added a career-best six point game.

San Diego scored six goals in the second quarter then scored two more times during the first 27 seconds of the third quarter to take 10-0 lead.

Chiles now has 25 goals, second in the PASL-Pro. Greg Howes scored a hat trick for the Stars.

The Sockers close out the regular season with three straight home games, starting next Saturday against Revolución Tijuana.

Ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com