11-3 loss to Sockers eliminates Stars from playoffs | MASL

Published 10:41 am Monday, March 7, 2016

Tacoma Stars coach Darren Sawatzky
Tacoma Stars coach Darren Sawatzky

The Tacoma Stars concluded its first full season in the Major Arena Soccer League with an 11-3 loss to the San Diego Sockers in the playoffs on Sunday night at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

San Diego’s Nick Perera opened up the scoring with a goal eight minutes into the match. The Sockers held onto its 1-0 lead until Stars midfielder Joseph Cairel knotted things up with under a minute remaining in the first quarter.

The Sockers struck for four goals in the second quarter and survived a Stars power play near the end of the half to take a 5-1 lead going into the break. Anthony Medina, Jonatan Santos, Victor Quiroz, and Matt Clare tallied goals during San Diego’s breakaway second quarter offensive effort.

Tacoma managed a pair of goals in the fourth quarter from midfielder Jamael Cox and defender Trevor Jensen, but were out-scored 6-2 in the second half, leading to an 11-3 victory for San Diego.

Stars goalkeeper Danny Waltman racked up 18 saves on 29 shots in the contest.

The loss eliminates the Stars from the postseason, and advances San Diego to the Pacific Division finals next week, where they will take on Soles De Sonora.

Season tickets for the Stars 2016-2017 season are available. To make a deposit, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online at tacomastars.com.