TACOMA STARS NEED WINS IN WEEK 13
TACOMA, WA. – The Tacoma Stars (6-8) head into week 13 of the 2018-19 Major Arena Soccer League season needing some wins to stop a 2-7 skid over their last nine games. While there is still plenty of regular season remaining, they want to keep pace with the Ontario Fury for the second playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
First up this weekend for the Stars is a road match with the Turlock Express (2-13). Despite their overall record, Turlock is a team who has won two of their last three games including scoring a season-high 12 goals in their victory of El Paso on February 15.
In their first meeting of the season, the Stars won easily 12-2 in their home opener. Stars head coach/leading scorer Nick Perera amassed seven points in the victory with four assists to go with a hat-trick. The Stars jumped out to an 8-0 lead before Turlock scored a goal. These are different teams meeting on Friday.
Omar Tapia is the leading scorer for Turlock with 19 points (10G-9A) though all his scoring was with the El Paso Coyotes. He has yet to take the field in a Turlock kit. Before his arrival, Jorge Carmona set the pace offensively for Turlock with 15 points (11G-4A). Carlos Manzo and Matthew Germain each have 13 points for the Express.
Goalkeeping is a struggle for Turlock as four different players have started in net for the Express just passed the half-way point of the season. Their -67 goal differential is a league worst, but they have shown signs that they are turning that around.
After their tilt in Turlock, the Stars return home to face the Dallas Sidekicks (6-8) on Sunday. Along with matching records, the Sidekicks, like the Stars, are currently in third place in their division. Dallas comes into the weekend three and a half games behind Rio Grande Valley for a playoff spot with a -27 goal differential. The Stars dipped into a negative differential for the first time this season at -3 with their 9-5 loss to San Diego last week.
VcMor Eligwe is Dallas’ leading scorer at 22 points (18G-4A). Ricardinho Cavalcante sits second on the squad in offense with 20 points (3G-17A). Behind Eligwe in goal scoring is Jamie Lovegrove and his 15 markers on the year.
For the Stars, Perera is team, and league tops in scoring with 41 points (18G-23A). His 23 assists are also a league-high in that category. Philip Lund is second on the team with 17 points (12G-5A) and third is Mike Ramos with 16 (8G-8A).
The Stars are on the road this Friday February 22 to take on Pacific Division foe Turlock Express. Game time is 7:05 pm and you can catch every goal live on MASL.tv.
The Stars next home game comes on Sunday, February 24 when they host the Dallas Sidekicks. Kickoff is set for 5:05 pm. Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84 or go towww.tacomastars.com.
Sunday February 24 is Washington Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Night vs Dallas. Don’t miss out as some true Washington soccer legends are inducted into the Hall of Fame including Kasey Keller, Hope Solo, Pete Fewing and many, many more!
Bobblehead fans rejoice! The Stars have two Bobblehead Nights on the calendar presented by Sound Credit Union. Friday March 1 is Preki Bobblehead Night and Sunday March 10 is your chance at a Danny Waltman Bobblehead. Simply purchase a 6-game pack or buy a group of 10 or more tickets and one, or both collectibles can be yours. Hurry! Supplies are limited.
There’s still time to purchase 2018-2019 Season Tickets or a Legacy Membership with the Tacoma Stars. Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84, or emailinginfo@tacomastars.com, or go to www.tacomastars.com.
Single game tickets to all Tacoma Stars home games are available. Head totacomastars.showare.com to purchase your tickets.
Stay up to date with the Stars by following them on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC) or Instagram (Instagram.com/thetacomastars)