Stars Add Three To 2015-16 Roster

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Stars announced today the signing of defender Cory Keitz, striker Tyrone Hall, and midfielder Joseph Cairel.

The Stars continue to fill out their initial roster in advance of the team’s first full season as a part of the Major Arena Soccer League. Tacoma opens its season on Oct. 24 with a road contest against the Dallas Sidekicks.

Keitz, 26, spent the last two seasons with the Kitsap Pumas, where he earned All-League honors as a defender in the Premier Development League. He was an instrumental part of a Pumas squad that won the PDL Northwest Division two years in a row, and made the National Finals in 2014.

“Cory is an excellent defender with the ability to create scoring chances from the back with one pass,” Stars Head Coach and General Manager Darren Sawatzky said. “I think he is underrated and we expect him to be a big part of the MASL season.”

“When Darren approached me about playing for the Stars, I knew nothing about the club because I am from Michigan. As I began to learn about the club’s history it was an easy decision to sign with the Stars,” Keitz said. “From the owner down through the coaching staff, the Stars are first class and I look forward to getting to work with the guys and growing the club with the support of the community.”

Hall, 26, comes to the Stars with extensive professional experience, including time spent playing internationally. He began the 2014 indoor season with the Ontario Fury of the MASL before leaving to compete in Finland. Hall also played for the Pennsylvania Roar of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

“We found Ty through our network of people in the game and he represents a strong athlete looking for a chance to move to the next level,” Sawatzky said. “It will be exciting watching him grow here and score goals for our fans in Tacoma.”

“I’m extremely thankful to be able to continue my career with a great organization,” Hall said. “I look forward to meeting my teammates, picking the brain of Coach Sawatzky, and contributing to a great upcoming season.”

Cairel, 24, spent the past summer competing with the Burlingame Dragons in the PDL. The Sounders U-23 club, coached by Sawatzky, eliminated the Dragons in the 2015 Western Conference Semi Finals.

“We played this summer down in Tucson with the Sounders U-23’s and I was able to see Joseph play in a very competitive game at a high level,” Sawatzky said. “He is a tireless worker with an incredible will to win.”

“I am very excited to be a part of the Tacoma Stars organization and its great history,” Cairel said. “I’m determined to bring something new to the team this season.”

Season ticket packages, group outings, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2015 season are available now. To purchase, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online at www.tacomastars.com. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Stars leading up to the start of the 2015 season can be found by following the Stars on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook.