Philip Lund scored his fifth goal of the season and Chase Hanson’s goal midway through the fourth quarter got the Stars within a goal, but Tacoma’s last-second shot just barely missed tying the game up and San Diego escaped the accesso ShoWare Center with a 4-3 victory Friday night.
Kraig Chiles scored twice, including what proved to be the game winner, and had an assist to lead the way for the Sockers, who remain undefeated and have a commanding lead in the Major Arena Soccer League’s Pacific Division.
The defensive battle between the clubs was led by both goalkeepers. Danny Waltman made nine saves, including numerous foot saves in the early going for Tacoma. But it was Boris Pardo who had the upper hand, making 12 saves and allowing just three goals.
It was the sixth time over the past three seasons that the Stars and Sockers have played to a one-goal decision.
Chiles started the scoring for San Diego and finished it off, scoring once nearly nine minutes into the game, and again with 12 minutes remaining. He now has 12 goals and 16 points total this season. Brian Farber and Raymundo Reza each collected goals for the Sockers in the victory.
Lund scored his fifth goal of the season on a free kick that was touched over to him by Joey Gjertsen to tie the game up 1-1 six minutes into the second quarter. Derek Johnson also got on the board once for the Stars in the second period.
The Stars dropped to 2-3 this season and are now three games behind the Sockers in the Pacific Division. They are still tied for second place, though, with Ontario’s loss to Baltimore on Friday night.
Tacoma takes a Midwest road trip next weekend, travelling to Kansas City to take on the Comets on Friday, Dec. 8 and Milwaukee for a rematch against the Wave on Saturday, Dec. 9. They return home to face Soles De Sonora twice, on Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17. First kick is set for 7:05 and 5:05, respectively, that weekend.
Tickets are available by visiting tacomastars.com.
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