STARS LOOK TO AVOID SWEEP FRIDAY VS SAN DIEGO

Tacoma, WA- The Tacoma Stars (8-9) begin a crucial stretch in their march towards the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs Friday when they host the Pacific Division leading San Diego Sockers (12-3) Friday night at the Accesso ShoWare Center. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:35 pm in the fourth and final regular season meeting between these two divisional foes. 

San Diego has proven a tough task for Tacoma this season with the Sockers coming out on top in all three previous meetings, including a 4-3 final in Kent back on December 1, 2017. Led by the goalkeeping duo of Chris Toth and Boris Pardo, San Diego has held the Stars to just three goals in each of the meetings this season, with 8-3 finals in both tilts in Southern California. For Tacoma, keeper Danny Waltman remains in the MASL top 10 in goals-against average (5.70), save percentage (.654), and wins (8). 

Offensively, the Sockers have been led by Kraig Chiles’ 34 points this season, with 10 coming against Tacoma (8 G- 2 A). San Diego also got a hat trick from Brandon Escoto in the last game vs Tacoma on January 12. Stars point leader Nick Perera was held to a lone assist in that match which was his only appearance against the Sockers this season. Joseph Cairel and Philip Lund are the only Stars with two goals against San Diego for the year. Friday will be the first match vs the Sockers with both Perera and Taylor Walter Bond in the lineup for Tacoma. 

The Stars will look to keep pace with Ontario in the battle for the second Pacific Division playoff spot with a win Friday. Following this game, two of Tacoma’s next three games are against the Fury. Friday’s game will set the tone for the Stars’ playoff run. 

Friday is Military Appreciation Night and fans can get a limited-edition Stars T-shirt and a ticket for only $20. Use promo code MILITARY when checking out. 

For tickets call 1-800-STARS-84 or go to www.tacomastars.com 

Tacoma Stars games are streamed live on www.masl.tv with live stats available at www.maslsoccer.com. 

Stay up to date with the Stars by following them on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook (FB.com/TacomaStars).