STARS OPEN UP IN SECOND HALF, BEAT TURLOCK 9-5
TURLOCK, CA. – The Tacoma Stars (9-9) scored six second half goals at Turlock Indoor Soccer to pick up a 9-5, come from behind win over the Express (2-16) Friday night. With the win, the Stars move a full game ahead of the Ontario Fury for the Pacific Division’s second playoff spot. Mike Ramos picked up five goals in the game for Tacoma.
Each team scored two goals in the opening quarter beginning with Douglas Lima finding the net just 1:41 into the match for Turlock. MASL leading scorer Nick Perera sent in the first of his two goals on the night with 9:57 to go in the first. Less than a minute later Omar Tapia gave the Express a one-goal lead at 2-1 before Perera’s second goal leveled the match after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter the Express took a one goal lead for the third time on an Arturo Pulido goal with 12:17 left in the half. Ramos converted on a Chase Hanson assist for his first goal of the night to close out scoring in the first half with 2:59 to play.
Tacoma took its first lead of the match in the third quarter on a Pablo Da Silva from Perera goal with 12:24 remaining. Luis Brambila brought Turlock even for the final time just 15 seconds later for a 4-4 score. It was Ramos, on a power play, who put the Stars in front for good with a 5-4 score after three quarters.
Ramos started the fourth quarter with back to back goals on assists from Perera and Joey Gjertsen to give the Stars a three-goal lead at 7-4 with 6:52 to play in the game. Tapia nailed Turlock’s final goal of the game with just over five minutes left and then Ramos knocked in his fifth goal of the match on a Da Silva assist for an 8-5 Stars lead. Cory Keitz launched an empty-net goal that rolled in just as time expired to seal the 9-5 final score and give Tacoma a 3-0 advantage in the season series.
These two teams will complete the home and home series on Sunday at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent. Kick off is set for 5:05 pm. Seattle Sounders FC star Lamar Neagle is expected to make his Tacoma Stars debut on Sunday.
Scoring Summary
1st Qtr - TUR Lima (Tapia) 1:41; TAC Perera (unassisted) 5:03; TUR Tapia (Rios) 5:52; TAC Perera (Cairel) 7:24; Penalties - none.
2nd Qtr - TUR Arturo Pulido (unassisted) 2:43; TAC Ramos (Hanson) 12:01; Penalties - TAC West blue card (unsportsmanlike conduct) 5:34
3rd Qtr - TAC Da Silva (Perera) 2:36; TUR Brambila (Estrada) 2:51; TAC Ramos (unassisted) 6:43 PP; Penalties - TUR Adrian Pulido blue card (handling) 5:34; TAC Carmona blue card (tripping) 9:49.
4th Qtr - TAC Ramos (Perera) 1:22; TAC Ramos (Gjertsen) 8:08; TUR Tapia (unassisted) 9:58; TAC Ramos (Da Silva) 11:25; TAC Keitz (unassisted) 15:00;Penalties - none.
Shots - Turlock 4-6-6-5 (21), Tacoma 5-9-8-8 (30)
Attendance - 410
The Stars next action comes at the accesso ShoWare Center on Sunday March 10 when they host the Turlock Express. Kickoff is set for 5:05 pm. Sounders FC star Lamar Neagle is expected to make his MASL debut with Tacoma and you won’t want to miss it! Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84 or go towww.tacomastars.com
Mascots from all around the Sound will be battling it out during halftime on March 10 in the Tacoma Stars Seattle vs Tacoma Mascot Game. Be sure to get there early as Seahawks legend Marcus Trufant will be on hand for the game’s ceremonial first kick.
Sunday March 10 is bobblehead night featuring Stars goalkeeper Danny Waltman. Score yours by simply purchasing a 6-game pack or buy a group of 10 or more tickets. Hurry! Supplies are limited.
The Stars’ final regular season home game comes on Sunday March 31 against Landon Donovan and the Pacific Division leading San Diego Sockers. It’s Fan Appreciation Night as the Stars thank the best fans in the M.A.S.L.
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 totacomastars.showare.com to purchase your tickets.
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