The Tacoma Stars finished a two-game Pacific Division weekend with a 7-4 Major Arena Soccer League loss to the Ontario Fury at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Southern California on Sunday.
The Stars (5-6) dropped another game behind the Fury (7-5) for the division’s second playoff seed.
Mike Agruello made his MASL debut in goal for the Kent-based Stars, snapping Danny Waltman’s streak of 77 straight games as the keeper. Arguello finished the game with 10 saves for Tacoma.
Ontario opened scoring in the first quarter on a goal from Francisco Cordeiro with 7:27 on the clock. It was two quick-fire goals for the Fury from Adrien Perez on a power play and Cordeiro’s second of the game just 25 seconds apart that put the Stars down 3-0 after one quarter.
Perez picked up the only goal of the second quarter for either team to give the Fury a comfortable 4-0 lead at the half.
The Stars’ first goal came 15 seconds into the second half after Nick Perera was awarded a penalty kick on an Evan McNeley handling blue card. He beat Ontario keeper Chris Toth to put Tacoma on the board, trailing the Fury 4-1.
The next two markers were off the feet of recent Ontario signings Anibal Echeverria and Victor Quiroz to give the Fury a 6-1 cushion with 4:40 left in the third. Perera knocked in an unassisted goal with 1:05 remaining in the third to bring Tacoma to within 6-2.
Ontario’s final goal of the game, Perez’s third of the night, was assisted by Toth with 11:41 to go in the game. Just under two minutes later, Mike Ramos slammed one in on a Troy Peterson assist, and the Stars began to pressure the Ontario defense. The final goal of the game was Perera’s third of the match with 6:16 left and reached the final score of 7-4.
The Stars continue their road trip on Friday, Feb. 1 when they visit the El Paso (Texas) Coyotes. Kickoff is 5:15 p.m. Watch the game live on MASL.tv.
The Stars’ next home action comes on Sunday, Feb. 17 against the San Diego Sockers. Kickoff is 5:05 p.m.
For tickets, call 1-844-782-7784 or go to tacomastars.com.
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