Sockers Are Not Sure of Who, When : One Thing Is Certain: If They Reach Semis, Perez Won’t Be Around

Uncertainty seems to be the only certain thing concerning the Sockers’ first-round Major Indoor Soccer League playoff schedule.

Earlier in the week, it was announced that San Diego would begin playoff action at home on Sunday, Wednesday or next Friday. But now, the opening date has been amended to Wednesday or Thursday.

If Wichita beats Minnesota in a best-of-three series, the Sockers will play host to Wichita on Thursday. Wichita lost the first game of the series, 2-1, on Wednesday. Wichita would have to win tonight at home and Sunday at Minnesota to advance.

If Minnesota beats Wichita, the Sockers will play host to Kansas City or St. Louis on Wednesday. Kansas City won the first game of the series in overtime, 2-1, on Wednesday. The teams play tonight at Kansas City and Sunday, if necessary, at St. Louis.

Meanwhile, midfielder Hugo Perez has decided to join the United States national team on May 7 in preparation for World Cup qualifying competition that begins on May 15. That means Perez will not be with the Sockers for the MISL semifinals and finals, if they get that far.

Perez was suspended for two months earlier in the season over a contract dispute. As part of the solution, the Sockers agreed to let him play for the national team if he so desired.