Undefeated Stars Host Division Rival Sonora

by Brett Gleason

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Stars (4-0) put their undefeated record on the line as they host division-rival Soles De Sonora (2-1) this Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:35 p.m. at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington.

The Stars enter the matchup, their first divisional game of the season, with the best record in the Major Arena Soccer League, one win ahead of the 3-0 Missouri Comets.

Tacoma returns home for the match with Sonora after sweeping a three-game set in California last weekend - the Stars beat the Turlock Express 7-2 and took a pair of games from the Sacramento Surge by a combined score of 13-8.

For his efforts last weekend, Stars striker Derek Johnson earned MASL Team of the Week honors. Johnson scored five goals and added three assists for a total of eight points in three games. Tacoma goalkeeper Danny Waltman earned Honorable Mention for his 46 saves on 56 shots.

Sonora is led by forwards Frank Tayou and Alejandro Leyva, who are tied for the league lead with eight goals - Tayou also leads the league with 11 points this season. Goalkeeper Diego Reynoso has spent nearly 180 minutes in goal for Sonora, recording 74 saves on 99 shots for a .747 save percentage.

Sonora has split a pair of matchups with the San Diego Sockers and took a 16-10 win from the Ontario Fury last weekend. As a club, Sonora has averaged 12 goals per game.

First kick for the Friday matchup with Sonora is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. Live stats for the game can be found online at www.maslsoccer.com, while a live webcast can be viewed at www.golivesportscast.com.

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.