STARS HOLD ON TO TOPPLE TURLOCK 6-4
TURLOCK, CA. – The Tacoma Stars (7-8) went to Turlock Indoor Soccer needing a win tonight and held off a surging Turlock Express (2-14) for the 6-4 win. With the win, the Stars move to a half-game behind Ontario for the Pacific Division’s second playoff spot.
The Stars jumped in front of the Express in a big way with three unanswered goals to start the first quarter. Pablo Da Silva opened scoring with 11:56 remaining in the first. Just 35 seconds later Vince McCluskey made it 2-0 Stars on his third goal of the season. Stars leading scorer Nick Perera had Tacoma in front by three before Turlock found the scoreboard on an Omar Tapia marker, the first of his three in the game. Mike Ramos knocked one in for the Stars with 2:25 left in the first and a 4-1 Tacoma advantage.
Philip Lund increased that lead to 5-1 with 10:35 to go in the half. Tacoma went on the power play after Adrian Pulido was shown a blue card at the eight-minute mark. Despite the man advantage, the Stars gave up a short-handed goal to Tapia 40 seconds into the power play. Tapia scored again with just one second showing on the clock in the half and Tacoma went into the locker room with a 5-3 after two quarters.
After an eight goal first half between the teams, the second half turned out to be much more defensive. Turlock scored the only goal of the third quarter, Adrian Plascenica’s third of the year. Da Silva sailed home his second of the night for the Stars with 8:37 left to play and that would do it for the scoring. Sam Zisette assisted on the goal to pick up his first MASL career point.
Scoring Summary
1st Qtr - TAC Da Silva (unassisted) 3:04; TAC McCluskey (unassisted) 3:39; TAC Perera (unassisted); TUR Tapia (Gutierrez) 8:26; TAC Ramos (Perera) 12:35; Penalties - none.
2nd Qtr - TAC Lund (unassisted) 4:25; TUR Tapia (unassisted) 7:40 SH; TUR Tapia (Gutierrez) 14:59; Penalties - TUR Puliodo blue card (pushing) 7:00.
3rd Qtr - TUR Plascencia (Pulido) 13:48; Penalties - TAC Cairel blue card (kicking) 12:25.
4th Qtr - TAC Da Silva (Zisette) 6:23; Penalties - none.
Shots - Turlock 6-9-10-3 (28), Tacoma 8-4-7-4 (23)
Attendance - 405
The Stars next home game comes on Sunday, February 24 when they host the Dallas Sidekicks. Kickoff is set for 5:05 pm. Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84 or go to www.tacomastars.com.
Sunday February 24 is Washington Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Night vs Dallas. Don’t miss out as some true Washington soccer legends are inducted into the Hall of Fame including Kasey Keller, Hope Solo, Pete Fewing and many, many more!
Bobblehead fans rejoice! The Stars have two Bobblehead Nights on the calendar presented by Sound Credit Union. Friday March 1 is Preki Bobblehead Night and Sunday March 10 is your chance at a Danny Waltman Bobblehead. Simply purchase a 6-game pack or buy a group of 10 or more tickets and one, or both collectibles can be yours. Hurry! Supplies are limited.
There’s still time to purchase 2018-2019 Season Tickets or a Legacy Membership with the Tacoma Stars. Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84, or emailing info@tacomastars.com, or go to www.tacomastars.com.
Single game tickets to all Tacoma Stars home games are available. Head to tacomastars.showare.com to purchase your tickets.
Stay up to date with the Stars by following them on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or Instagram (Instagram.com/thetacomastars)