Tacoma Hits The Road, Visits Turlock Friday

by Brett Gleason

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Stars (1-0) face their first road contest of the season when they travel to play the Turlock Express (0-1) this Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:05 p.m. PT.

Twice during the 2015-16 season the Stars matched up against the Express, with Tacoma coming away with a pair of victories on a combined score of 15-4. Stars forward Joey Gjertsen posted a total of five points and three goals in the two matches, while fellow forward Dan Antoniuk also contributed a trio of scores.

Tacoma enters the match fresh off a season-opening 8-4 victory over Soles De Sonora at home. The Stars scored four times in the final period to bury Sonora, the 2015-16 Major Arena Soccer League runner up.

After contributing seven saves on 11 shots in the opener, Tacoma goalkeeper Danny Waltman earned MASL Team of the Week Honorable Mention recognition.

Turlock opened their season with a 12-1 loss on the road in a Pacific Division matchup with the San Diego Sockers. Defender Jose Barajas scored the Express’ only goal in that match, assisted by midfielder Adrian Gutierrez.

Returning midfielder Arturo Pulido led the Express last season with 28 points coming off 17 goals and 11 assists. Goalkeeper Edgar Martinez also returns to Turlock after spending 965 minutes in goal for the club last year while allowing an average of 8.39 goals per game.

Friday’s match will mark the Stars first divisional match of the season, and the second of the year for Turlock. Tacoma posted a record of 4-6 in Pacific Division contests last year, while going 6-4 on the road.

Live stats for the match can be found at www.maslsoccer.com, while a live webcast of the game can be viewed by visiting www.golivesportscast.com. First kick is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PT.

 Season ticket packages, group outings, family packs, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2016-17 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 can be found by following the Stars on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook.