STARS IN TEXAS FOR TWO ROAD MATCHES

by Pete Richmire

EL PASO, TX. – The Tacoma Stars (4-1) begin 2019 on the road in Texas for two matches against Major Arena Soccer League Southwest Division teams. First up for Tacoma will be the El Paso Coyotes (0-3) tonight at the El Paso County Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:15 pm PST.

The Coyotes come in the match still looking for their first win of the season. They are led offensively by Hugo Puentes with five goals after the team’s three games. Omar Tapia (3) and Jose Moreno (2) are the only other Coyotes with multiple goals this season. Goalkeeper Eduardo Arevalo Gonzalez has struggled with 24 goals allowed and 16 saves in three appearances.

Sunday January 6 will find Tacoma at the State Farm Arena to face the Rio Grande Valley Barracudas (1-3). Despite the team’s record, the Barracudas head into the match with a +3 goal differential and eight different players finding the net for RGV. Erick Jhon Ponce leads the team with four goals while Efrain Martinez and Moises Gonzalez have three each. Fidel Garcia has been solid for the Barracudas in goal. His 3.67 GAA and .762 save percentage are both second-best in the MASL.

The Stars begin the New Year on top of the table in the Pacific Division after five games played. Nick Perera leads Tacoma with his 14 points (6G-8A). Second on the team in goals scored are Philip Lund, Jamael Cox, and Adam West, all with five markers. In all, 13 different Stars players have recorded at least one point this season.

In goal for Tacoma, Danny Waltman is coming off his best week of the year after picking up road wins in San Diego and Ontario. His .708 save percentage is a personal season-high this year and he has 51 saves against 21 goals allowed.

The Stars continue their road trip in 2019 when they play the El Paso Coyotes on January 4 at 5:00 pm. Stars road games are streamed live on www.masl.tv with live stats available at www.maslsoccer.com.

The Stars next home action is Friday, January 11 against the Monterrey Flash. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:35 pm. Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84 or go to www.tacomastars.com

Saturday January 12 is Tacoma Stars Teddy Bear Toss Night vs Ontario. Bring, or purchase your teddy bear at the accesso ShoWare Center and then when the Stars score their first goal of the game….let them fly on to the field! All stuffed animals collected will go to benefit Olive Crest and a big thank you to Spirit 105.3 FM for helping organize this great event! 

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), and by liking the team on Facebook (FB.com/TacomaStars).