The Professional Arena Soccer League announced yesterday that the indoor Sockers are to join for the 2009-10 season “upon the completion of their new arena.” The league's press release did not specify the location of the arena, but it is believed to be a 4,000-seat facility at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

This will be the third or fourth incarnation of the storied franchise, depending on how you count. The team most recently folded in December 2004 after David Altomare sold it to a group headed by Raj Kalra, who, it quickly became apparent, did not have the necessary financial backing.

Altomare retained the rights to the Sockers name and reportedly has transferred them to the new ownership group.

The Sockers most recently played in the Major Indoor Soccer League, which ceased operations last spring. The PASL previously had only amateur and semipro teams; the 2008-09 season, which begins Oct. 25 with 12 teams, will be its first with a fully pro division.

The PASL's Western Division consists of the Stockton Cougars, Wenatchee (Wash.) Fire, Denver Dynamite and Colorado Lightning. An expansion team from Utah is also to join in 2009.

– MARK ZEIGLER