STARS BEGIN CRUCIAL RUN THURSDAY IN ONTARIO

Tacoma, WA- The Tacoma Stars (8-10) have four games remaining on their schedule and two of them are against the team they face Thursday night on the road, the Ontario Fury (9-10). The playoffs may as well begin then for Tacoma as they trail Ontario by a half-game in the Pacific Division for the second playoff spot. Each of these final games are vital for both teams’ post-season existence. Tacoma wraps up their regular season road schedule the following night in Turlock against the Express (2-17). The Stars are a combined 5-0 against Ontario and Turlock this season. 

Ten different Stars players have recorded at least one point against the Fury this season led by Nick Perera’s seven (4G-3A). Goalkeeper Danny Waltman had one of his best performances of the season during the Stars 8-6 in Ontario on January 11. Despite Ontario outshooting the Stars 44-16, Waltman and the Tacoma defense turned away 38 shots in the game. Offensively, Ontario is led by Juan Carlos Gonzalez and Leonardo de Oliveira’s five points each against Tacoma this season. In the teams’ first meeting, the Stars had one of their best scoring nights of the season in an 11-6 win in Kent on January 5. 

The Stars have outscored Turlock 25-11 this season in their three wins. They are led by Perera, Philip Lund, and Joey Gjertsen’s five points apiece vs Turlock. Perera, Lund and Vince McCluskey have all notched hat tricks against the Express. Ivan Campos (7) and Matthew Germain (2) are the only Turlock players with multiple points vs Tacoma this season. The Stars go for the season sweep Friday night in Turlock. 

Tacoma returns home Friday February 23 to face the Ontario Fury at 7:35 pm. 

For tickets call 1-800-STARS-84 or go to www.tacomastars.com 

Tacoma Stars games are streamed live on www.masl.tv with live stats available at www.maslsoccer.com. 

Stay up to date with the Stars by following them on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook (FB.com/TacomaStars).