STARS IN SAN DIEGO TO TAKE ON SOCKERS

by Pete Richmier

The Tacoma Stars (8-11) conclude a two-game trip to California Sunday in San Diego (14-6) after going to overtime last night in Ontario before eventually falling 6-5 to the Fury. The Stars remain in fifth place in the MASL Western Conference, three wins be- hind Sonora for the final playoff spot with three games in hand. 

Today kicks off three consecutive matches with San Diego who are in second place behind Monterey in the Conference and have clinched a playoff spot.

 The Stars and Sockers have met twice this season with San Diego taking 7-3 and 8-6 wins. San Die- go is 8-1 at Pachenga Arena San Diego while Tacoma has struggled on the road and bring a 3-7 visiting record into the match.

The Stars are 0-3 when playing a second game in two days. The team scoring race has tightened for Tacoma with Nick Perera still in the lead with 42 points (22G-20A), but Mike Ramos is within two now at 40 points (27G-13A). Alex Caceres sits third on the team with 22 points (10G-12A) Ten different Sockers players have double-digit production this season led by Kraig Chiles with 31 points (21G-10A). Leonardo de Oliveira (14G-8A) and Slavisa Ubiparipovic (14G-8A) each have 22 points.

 The series continues Friday March 13 as the teams head to the accesso ShoWare Center before wrapping up back at Pachenga Arena San Diego next Sunday, March 15th.