The Tacoma Stars return home to the ShoWare Center to host the Ontario Fury in a Major Arena Soccer League Pacific Division match at 6:05 p.m. Saturday.
Tacoma and Ontario split their two matches during the 2015-16 season, with both club’s sealing a victory in their home arenas. In the regular-season finale for both teams, the Stars came away with a 5-4 win that simultaneously secured their spot in the MASL playoffs and eliminated the Fury from postseason contention.
The Stars enter Saturday’s match with a record of 1-1 after dropping their first road contest of the season last week to the Turlock Express, 7-5. Forward Dan Antoniuk and midfielder Jamael Cox have both accumulated four points this season to lead the Tacoma offensive effort, while Cox’s four goals thus far are tied for fourth most in the league.
Goalkeeper Danny Waltman, who has played both matches in net for the Stars, ranks among the league leaders in goals against average (5th, 5.55) and save percentage (9th, .621).
Serving as acting coach of the Stars will be former Tacoma player Dick McCormick, who is filling in for head coach and general manager Darren Sawatzky while he leads the Guam Men’s National Team.
The Fury are led on offense by midfielder Mauricio Salles and forward Tino Nunez, who have combined for eight goals and 12 points through two matches. Goalkeeper Joey Kapinos has logged 120 minutes for Ontario this season, boasting a save percentage of .679 while allowing an average of 8.50 goals per match.
Salles was named to the MASL Team of the Week for week two, and was ultimately chosen by the fans as Player of the Week, after logging three points on two goals and one assist against Soles De Sonora.
Live stats for the match can be found at maslsoccer.com. First kick is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PT.
Season ticket packages, group outings, family packs, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2016-17 season are available now. To purchase, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online at tacomastars.com.
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