Stars Collect 7-2 Victory Over Turlock

by Brett Gleason

TURLOCK, Calif. -- The Tacoma Stars (2-0) earned a 7-2 road victory over the Turlock Express (1-1) on Friday night at Turlock Indoor.

Tacoma goalkeeper Danny Waltman allowed just two goals on 32 shots while recording 30 saves. Midfielder Joey Gjertsen led the club with 12 shots and netted a match-best two goals, while six separate Stars players scored.

Tacoma came out of the gates firing, scoring a pair of goals in the first quarter. Forward Dan Antoniuk scored his fourth goal of the season just over four minutes into the match to get the Stars on the board. Gjertsen’s second goal of the year came five minutes later and extended Tacoma’s lead to 2-0.

Express Defender Jose Barajas got Turlock on the board with an unassisted goal seven minutes into the second quarter to cut Tacoma’s lead to 2-1.

Stars defender Adam West checked in with his first goal of the season, an unassisted score, with under a minute remaining in the third quarter to extend Tacoma’s lead to 3-1.

Turlock and Tacoma combined for five goals in the final quarter, four of which came from Stars players. Tacoma striker Derek Johnson got things started with a goal just 45 seconds into the period, assisted by midfielder Troy Peterson. Midfielder Duncan McCormick and defender Cory Keitz knocked in their first goals of the season and Gjertsen added his second goal of the night to complete the Stars offensive effort.

Next up for the Stars is a quick trip to Sacramento for a pair of matches on Saturday and Sunday to wrap up their first road trip of the season.

Single game tickets, season ticket packages, group outings, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2015-16 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 can be found by following the Stars on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook.