For the Reporter
The Tacoma Stars have traded three players to the Kansas City Comets in return for one player from the Comets and another from the San Diego Sockers.
As part of the three-team trade, the Sockers received a player from the Comets.
The Kent-based Stars sent Ramone Palmer, Robert Palmer and Alain Matingou to the Comets in exchange for Milan Ivanovic, a versatile veteran player, and Matt Clare, a prolific goal scorer in the Major Arena Soccer League, from the Sockers.
Ivanovic lives in Seattle as part of the Seattle Reign FC women’s team coaching staff under former Comets head coach Vlatko Andonovski. A clever soccer player, Ivanovic has played multiple seasons in the league and will add experience to the young roster.
“Milan represents a veteran indoor player with great knowledge of the game and leadership qualities we will look to for this season,” said Darren Sawatzky, Stars coach and general manager. “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.”
Clare finished last season with 17 goals and 15 assists. He also scored four 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,” Clare said. “I’m excited to get out there, meet the guys and get acclimated as quickly as possible to the new style and hopefully bring a championship to the Tacoma Stars.”
With Clare, the Stars have another threat in the attacking end 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,” Sawatzky said. “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.”
Palmer, Palmer and Matingou played previously for the Comets.
“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 first-round game,” Sawatzky said. “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,”
The Stars open the 2018-2019 season with a Dec. 1 game at the accesso ShoWare Center, their home turf. The full schedule will be available soon.
For tickets call 1-844-STARS-84, or go to tacomastars.com.
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