STARS SPLIT WEEKEND IN CALI WITH 8-3 LOSS TO SOCKERS

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Philip Lund scored his fourth goal of the weekend and Joey Gjertsen scored his third goal of the season in the Tacoma Stars’ 8-3 loss to the San Diego Sockers at Valley View Casino Center on Sunday evening. Kraig Chiles scored four times to lead the way for the Sockers.

The Stars jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Alex Megson’s header near midfield found a streaking Gjertsen on the left side and he put it past Sockers keeper Boris Pardo. But the lead wouldn’t last long with Felipe Gonzalez equalizing eight minutes later.

The Sockers were energized five minutes into the second quarter when Pardo made four fantastic saves in less than 30 seconds to neutralize the most active attack the Stars would put forward all night. Chiles then scored twice in the quarter and the Sockers took a 3-1 lead at the half.

Lund cut the lead to just one three minutes into the third quarter, but a power play goal by Chiles stretched the lead back out to two five minutes later. The Sockers took over after that, outscoring the Stars 4-1 the rest of the way.

Evan McNeley scored his first goal of the season for the Stars late in the fourth quarter and Danny Waltman made 12 saves in the loss as the Stars fell to 1-2 this season.

Boris Prado made eight saves in the first half, but faced just six shots on the goal in the second half, making four saves. The Sockers moved to 3-0 and remained in first place in the Pacific Division.

The Stars return home on Friday, November 17^th when they face the Turlock Express at 7:35 PM. Join the Stars for 2-for-1 beer night at the accesso ShoWare Center. Tickets are available by calling 1-844-STARS-84 or visiting the Stars online at www.tacomastars.com.

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