STARS SHINE IN THRILLER IN SAN DIEGO, WIN 5-4

SAN DIEGO, CA. – The Tacoma Stars (3-1) snapped a 10-game losing streak in San Diego with a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Sockers (2-1) in front of 2,234 fans at Pachenga Arena San Diego. The win snaps the Sockers over-all 16 game home win streak and hands Nick Perera his first Major Arena Soccer League coaching victory. The win comes despite being out shot by the Sockers 33-23 in the match.

Kraig Chiles handed the Sockers a 1-0 lead just 1:32 in to the game on his second goal of the year. Danny Waltman would fire a perfect strike on an outlet pass to Perera who drove it home for his fifth marker of the year to tie the game at one with 12:10 left in the first. Brian Faber scored his first of the year with only 38 seconds left in the first to put the Sockers up 2-1. 

A second quarter which saw the teams play a two minute four on four after matching blue cards and Waltman come up big in goal to kill off a San Diego power play, remained scoreless until 23 seconds were left on the clock. That’s when Joey Gjersten scored his third of the year on an assist from Chase Hanson to tie the game at two at the half. 

Most of the scoring took place in the third quarter beginning with Adam West’s power play goal following a blue card to Chiles of the Sockers. With 7:48 left in the quarter, Raymundo Contreras scored for San Diego to knot the game back up at three. Leonardo de Oliveira found the back of the net with 5:11 on the clock to put the Sockers back in front at 4-3. 

All of the scoring in the fourth quarter belonged to the Stars. Alex Megson started it off with his first at the 11:17 mark, assisted by Raphael Cox. That tied the match 4-4. The winner would come with 2:23 left on a laser by Adam West, his second of the game assisted by Perera.

Aside from the assist, Waltman picked up 22 saves in the match on his way to the game’s First Star award.

The Stars take on the Ontario Fury Sunday December 23 at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Kick off is scheduled for 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 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.

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 the Tacoma Stars home games are on sale now. Head to tacomastars.showare.com to purchase your tickets.

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