The Turlock Express’ quest for a third-consecutive trip to the Professional Arena Soccer League playoffs starts Nov. 2, according to the PASL schedule released Wednesday.

The Express' 2013-14 season begins at 7:05 p.m. Nov. 2, against the Sacramento Surge in the cozy confines of the Turlock Indoor Soccer Arena.

Last year the Express earned a postseason berth thanks to a 9-7 overall record in the Pacific Division, which includes the four-time defending PASL champion San Diego Sockers. In 2011-12, the Express chugged to a second-place tie with Tijuana at a 10-6 record to secure a playoff berth.

This year the Express will play 16 games with eight home contests. The team’s home schedule includes five of the first eight games at home, including a Nov. 8 match against the expansion Bay Area Rosal and a Nov. 22 clash with West Coast rival and playoff nemesis the San Diego Sockers.

In December, the Express will face a stretch of three games in just seven days, beginning with a Dec. 21 trip to San Diego, followed by a short trip to Tijuana to take on Toros de Mexico on Dec. 22 and a home date against Sacramento on Dec. 27.

Turlock Express co-owner and coach Art Pulido says this stretch of games could be key during the course of the season.

“San Diego and Mexico are always tough. Our players just have to prepared for that and we will change players a lot to give guys a rest,” he said.

In the final eight games the Express play just three home games. In their final home game the Express will take on Toros de Mexico, Feb. 7. The season finale will likely prove critical with a road game at Sacramento Feb. 15.

Pulido said Express fans can expect “an exciting brand of soccer, fast-paced, and high scoring.”

This year the Turlock Indoor Soccer Arena will feature new restrooms and new bleachers to seat as many as 800 fans. Pulido says the improvements should be ready by the season, but may not be due to complications in dealing with the City of Turlock.

Tickets will be available in the coming weeks for $10 in advance, and
$12 at the door. Concessions will be available during the team’s home games.

2013-14 Turlock Express Schedule
(Home games in bold)

Nov. 2 v. Sacramento 7:05 p.m.

Nov. 22 v. San Diego 7:05 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Bay Area 8:00 p.m.

Dec. 13 v. Bay Area 7:05 p.m.

Dec. 21 at. San Diego 7:05 p.m.

Dec. 22 at Mexico 3:05 p.m.

Dec. 27 v. Sacramento 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 10 v. Ontario 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Sacramento 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 17 v. Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Bay Area 8:00 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Ontario 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 7 v. Mexico 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Sacramento 7:05 p.m.