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February 3, 2011 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Tacoma Stars News Release


San Diego Game Preview

The Tacoma Stars play host to long time West Coast Rival San Diego Sockers this weekend in a crucial back to back match-up. The Stars (8-4) have been playing catch up all year to the Sockers (9-2) who handed Tacoma a 8-6 loss is San Diego in November. With playoff and US Open Cup implications this weekend, both teams will be determined to put their stamp on the Western Division. The Sockers are defending Western Division and PASL-Pro champions, so the Stars will look to avenage the early season loss as the take on the veteran squad from San Diego. This past weekend the Stars remained unbeaten at home with a 7-4 victory over the Wenatchee Fire. After jumping out to early lead 5-0 the Stars held off the Fire rally to preserve the home win.

February 4th & 5th - 7:30PM Tacoma Soccer Center

With the Western Division title still up for grabs the Stars will have to double up on the Sockers to knock off the defending champs. The Sockers come to town following a big win vs Tijuana, the Sockers are looking to clinch the Western Division crown and a playoff berth. Stars Coach Greg Howes : "Whenever you play meaningful games late in the season you know you are in the playoff hunt, to have the defending Champions coming to Tacoma with playoff and Open Cup spots at stake it basically sets up as a playoff game, we respect SD and know that if we play our game and stick to the game plan that visiting teams have to play well to get results here."

The Stars are looking to gain ground on the league leaders over the weekend. In order to achieve this the Stars are going to have to slow down the potent SD offense led by forwards Kraig Chiles (20G-11A-31PTS), Aaron Susi (10G-8A-18pts) and midfielder Paul Wright (9G-12A-21 PTS). Containing these players will be difficult, as the rest of San Diego team is capable of picking up the slack. Putting up points will be crucial in Tacoma's effort, and getting past the SD defense and goal keeper Riley Swift is no easy task.

Tacoma lead by player/coach Howes (18G-15A-33PTS) and For Ian Wienberg (29 Pts) will need contribution from everyone if they want to knock off the 1st place Sockers. Howes said " I think it will come down to goals in the box and which Goalkeeper makes big saves to keep his team in the game. We know the challenge ahead of us and we are looking forward to the opportunity"

1/29/2011 - Stars vs Fire Recap

Tacoma Stars 7 - Wenatchee Fire 4

The Stars jumped out to an early 4-0 1st quarter lead. Defender Steve Mohn slotted a nice back post ball to a streaking Ian Weinberg for the first tally. Chris Kintz then found forward Greg Howes with a pinpoint pass that Howes took into offensive zone and beat Wenatchee GK at the near post for the 2-0 lead. A recent addition to the line-up was Daniel Gray who scored back to back goals in the box. Coach Howes:" I thought the first 15minutes was our best 1st quarter of the year. We came out sharp with our passing, movement and spacing was good. I thought Chris set the tone early with some good distribution to get us rolling. Danny Gray added another dimension to our attack and got rewarded with 2 goals on the night."

In the 2nd quarter the Stars only found the net once. Howes found Leighton Obrien with a nifty ball off the boards to a streaking Obrien to make it 5-0. The 1st half ended 5-1 with Stars in control from the start. Wenatchee was able to gain some ground on a shootout goal and a PP Restart in the 2nd half. The Stars scored 2 goals in the 2nd half, both came from Howes and assisted by Weinberg. Including a one time back heel from the top of the box to close the scoring at 7-4. "I was very pleased with our start and a little disappointed in how we managed the final 45 minutes. I have to give Wenatchee credit as they increased their pressure. I thought our defense played well to give up 4 goals against a team that scored 16 on Tijuana. I felt our preparation was good and it helped prepare us for next weeks showdown with San Diego."

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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from February 3, 2011


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