Stars Top Surge 5-1 In Season Opener

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Stars opened their first full season in the Major Arena Soccer League with a 5-1 victory over the Sacramento Surge in front of 3,710 fans on Friday night at the ShoWare Center.

The Stars were powered by forward Dan Antoniuk, who led the team with three goals on the way to the club’s first hat trick of the season. Striker Mark Lee contributed a pair of assists in the victory. Goalkeeper Danny Waltman notched 17 saves in his first career game with the Stars

Antoniuk scored the Stars first goal of the season just 45 seconds into the match when he capitalized on a ball that ricocheted off Surge goalkeeper Chris Welch. Tacoma midfielder Jamar Beasley extended the Stars lead to 2-0 later in the quarter off an assist from Lee.

The lone goal of the second quarter was netted by midfielder Joey Gjertsen, putting the Stars ahead 3-0 before halftime.

Antoniuk completed his hat trick with a pair of goals in the third quarter, just four minutes apart. Defender Adam West and Beasley provided assists to Antoniuk to round out the Tacoma offensive effort. Sacramento midfielder Solomi Olajcde pushed across the only Surge goal of the match with four minutes remaining in the game.

Next up for the Stars is a road contest against the Turlock Express on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:05 p.m.

Season ticket packages, group outings, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2015 season are available now. To purchase, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online at www.tacomastars.com. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Stars leading up to the start of the 2015 season can be found by following the Stars on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook.