STARS TAKE DOWN TURLOCK IN OVERTIME, 5-4
TURLOCK, CA. – The Tacoma Stars (1-1) needed extra time to do it but they picked up their first win of the 2019-20 MASL season, a 5-4 decision over the Turlock Cal Express (2-1) in their only appearance at Turlock Indoor Soccer this year.
Both teams played a fast paced first 15 minutes in which technically Turlock scored both goals. The first one, however was an own goal credited to Mike Ramos to put the Stars up 1-0 with 8:18 to play in the opening quarter. Ivan Campos found Adrian Pulido for his second goal of the season to tie the game 1-1 and close out scoring in the first frame.
The Stars broke the tie with 9:55 to play in the half on Ramos’ second goal of the match, this one assisted by Nick Perera. Turlock drew level 2-2 on Gerardo Jurado’s first of the year with 3:40 left on the clock. The final goal of the first half produced the Cal Express’ first lead of the match when Campos picked up his third assist of the game on a goal from Arturo Pulido for a 3-2 score at halftime.
Back to back Stars goals by Alex Caceres gave Tacoma a 4-3 lead after three quarters. The first came on the power play after Adrian Plascencia picked up a blue card for tripping. Caceres one-timed a Perera pass to tie the game 3-3 with 6:56 left in the third. Caceres scored unassisted with 2:54 remaining to put Tacoma back in front 4-3 with one quarter remaining.
Adrian Gutierrez converted on a Martyn Arista assist for Turlock with 11:32 left in regulation to tie the match for the fourth time, now at 4-4. That would be the only goal in the final quarter and sent the Stars to their first overtime match of the season.
The first five minutes of overtime was evenly matched, but Turlock took an advantage when Caceres was sent to the penalty box for holding with 4:26 on the clock. Turlock put a couple of shots on goal, both turned away by Stars keeper Danny Waltman who finished the game with 13 saves. His second save on the Cal Express power play gave him 2,500 saves in his MASL career.
Two seconds after the Turlock man advantage expired Adam West found open field in front of him and beat Turlock keeper Edgar Martinez from the left side for the game winning goal for Tacoma. For West, it was his first goal of the season.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st – TAC Ramos 6:42; TUR Adrian Pulido (Campos) 9:17. Penalties – none.
2nd – TAC Ramos (Perera) 4:05; TUR Jurado (Campos) 11:20; TUR Arturo Pulido (Campos) 13:22. Penalties – none.
3rd – TAC Caceres (Perera) 8:04 PP; TAC Caceres 12:06. Penalties – TUR Plascencia blue card (tripping) 6:42.
4th – TUR Gutierrez (Arista) 3:28. Penalties – none.
OT - TAC West 7:26. Penalties – TAC Caceres blue card (holding) 5:24.
Attendance – 580
The Stars return home Sunday December 15 at 5:05 pm for the annual Teddy Bear Toss game against the Ontario Fury. Bring a stuffed animal and when the Stars get their first goal, let them fly on to the field! All stuffed animals go to benefit Toys for Tots. Get your tickets today!
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