Stars Host Rival Sockers On Military Appreciation Night

by Brett Gleason

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Stars (7-4) host a divisional matchup against the long-time rival San Diego Sockers (6-4) this Sunday, Jan. 3 at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington.

The matchup is the first of the season between the two clubs, and serves as a pivotal match in the Major Arena Soccer League playoff race. The Stars currently lay claim to the second playoff slot in the Pacific Division, with the Sockers just one game behind them in the third and final slot.

In addition to playing the Sockers the Stars, in partnership with BECU, will be hosting Military Appreciation Night during Sunday’s game. The festivities will include an Army vs. Navy soccer match pre-game, select military members leading Stars players on the field, and much more.

The Sockers are led offensively by forward Kraig Chiles, who ranks fifth in the MASL with 26 points off 10 goals and 16 assists. Midfielder Matt Clare leads the club with 13 goals and has added three assists for 16 points. Goalkeeper Chris Toth has spent over 530 minutes in goal for the Sockers, notching 117 saves on 172 shots for a .680 save percentage.

Stars goalkeeper Danny Waltman currently ranks in the top five in the MASL in minutes (second, 668:25), saves (third, 149), and goals against average (third, 5.03). Four Stars players have posted double-digit point totals this season, led by forward Derek Johnson, who has contributed seven goals and six assists for 13 points.

The Sunday evening match is scheduled to kick off at 5:05 p.m. PT, and a live webcast can be found online at www.golivesportscast.com with Brandon Sparks and John McGlamery on the call.

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.