Sockers Release Midfielder Ruotolo

The Sockers have released midfielder Raffaele Ruotolo, the team announced Thursday.

“I felt the roster was too offensive minded,” Sockers Coach Ron Newman said. “Right now it is critical for us to improve our defense.”

Ruotolo, 23, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Italy, joined the Sockers in 1984 at the age of 19. He had his best season in 1986-87, when he played in 36 of 52 games and scored 7 goals and 3 assists.

Point Loma Nazarene College pushed its record above .500 (8-7-1) and improved its Golden State Athletic Conference record to 2-3 by defeating Southern California College, 3-2, at Point Loma.

Trailing, 1-0, PLNC’s Jesse Denney headed in a corner kick from Mike Friesen in the 18th minute of the first half. In the second half, Friesen scored an unassisted goal, and Steve Cokkinis scored from 25 yards out.

HOCKEY

The San Diego Surf, a Senior A Division team in the Pacific Southwest Hockey League, begins its season Saturday and Sunday with games against the Fresno Falcons. Both games are at 4:30 at the San Diego Ice Arena.

One of four teams in the league, the Surf consists mostly of former NCAA Division I players and is coached by former Minnesota North Star Sandy Fitzpatrick. Tickets are $5, which includes public skating before or after games.