Stars Drop Tense Match To Sockers, 5-4

by Brett Gleason

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- A Tacoma Stars (11-6) late rally fell short, giving the San Diego Sockers (11-6) a 5-4 victory on Thursday night at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.

Four separate players recorded goals for the Stars, while goalkeeper Danny Waltman contributed 16 saves on 21 shots to limit the Sockers offensive attack.

Sockers forward Kraig Chiles opened the scoring with a goal four and a half minutes into the first quarter - the goal was the only action in the opening frame and gave San Diego a 1-0 lead.

Tacoma evened the score with a goal from defender Trevor Jensen, assisted by Waltman, just a couple minutes into the second quarter. Midfielder Brian Farber retook the lead for the Sockers, and a second goal from Chiles late in the quarter gave San Diego a 3-1 lead heading into halftime.

Sockers forward Anthony Medina and midfielder Matt Clare logged goals in the third quarter to extend the San Diego lead to 5-1.

Tacoma rallied for three goals late in the fourth quarter, including a pair of power play scores by defender Adam West and midfielder Troy Peterson, to pull within one of San Diego. The comeback would come up short, though, and the Sockers ultimately held on for a 5-4 Pacific Division victory.

The Stars wrap up their road trip with a match against Soles De Sonora (14-2) this Saturday, Feb. 13. First kick is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PT.

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.