TACOMA STARS AQUIRE NEW PLAYERS IN THREE TEAM TRADE

Tacoma, WA- The Tacoma Stars have traded three 2017-2018 players to the Kansas City Comets in return for one player from the Kansas City Comets and one player from the San Diego Sockers. As part of the 3-team trade, the San Diego Sockers receive a player from the Kansas City Comets.

Prolific MASL goal scorer Matt Clare makes his way to grit city from the San Diego Sockers and will look to put numbers up for the Tacoma Stars in the 2018-2019 MASL season. Clare finished the 2017-2018 season with 16 goals and 12 assists and tallying 1 goal and 3 assists in the 2017-2018 playoffs. Clare also scored 4 power play goals for the Sockers in 2018.

“Tacoma was a place that I fell in love with from the very start with the atmosphere, the fans, and the history of the organization.  It’s another big club to play for in the league and I’m excited to get out there and meet the guys and get acclimated as quickly as possible to the new style and hopefully bring a championship to the Tacoma Stars,” said Clare.

With Clare, the Tacoma Stars have another threat in the attacking and a player with great experience in the indoor game.

“When the opportunity knocks to bring in a perennial goal scorer in the MASL, you look to bring that player in. Matt and I have talked in the past and we are excited to have him bring his scoring exploits to the Tacoma Stars.  We are looking for players that want to be part of a group that buys into team first soccer and Matt is looking forward to the new chapter in his career here in Tacoma,” said Darren Sawatzky, Tacoma Stars Head Coach and General Manager.

As part of the trade, the Tacoma Stars acquire Milan Ivanovic from the Kansas City Comets. Ivanovic, a regarded coach in the soccer community, is living in Seattle as he is part of the Seattle Reign coaching staff under former Kansas City Comets head coach Vlatko Andonovski. A clever soccer player, Ivanovic has played multiple seasons in the league and will add experience to the young Tacoma Stars roster.

“Milan represents a veteran indoor player with great knowledge of the game and leadership qualities we will look to for this season.   We see him playing different roles for us and adding another great player helps us compete once again for the playoff spot out of the Pacific Division,” said Sawatzky.

Departing the Tacoma Stars are Ramone Palmer, Robert Palmer, and Alain Matingou. All three players played previously for the Kansas City Comets and plied their trade in the Pacific Northwest for the 2017-2018 season.  

“We were very happy to have Ramone, Robert, and Alain during this past season and each of these players provided different pieces that helped our team reach the playoffs and win our 1st round game. We know each of them are happy to return to the city they have called home for a long time. We wish them the very best as they get ready to play with the Kansas City Comets,” said Sawatzky.

The Tacoma Stars open the 2018-2019 season with a December 1st home game at the Accesso ShoWare Center.   The full schedule will be available shortly.   

For tickets call 1-800-STARS-84 or go to www.tacomastars.com

Stars games are streamed live on www.masl.tv with live stats available at www.maslsoccer.com.

Stay up to date with the Stars by following them on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or liking the team on Facebook (FB.com/TacomaStars).