The Tacoma Stars, looking to clinch a berth in the Major Arena Soccer League playoffs, host the Chicago Mustangs on Friday at the ShoWare Center for the first ever match between the clubs.
The Stars (10-8) are on the verge of their second playoff berth in as many years, and can clinch their spot in the postseason as early as this weekend. A victory for Tacoma, coupled with one Ontario Fury loss in any of their three weekend matches, would secure the Stars a playoff spot. Additionally, two Fury losses, regardless of the Stars outcome on Friday, would send Tacoma to the Pacific Division Championship series.
With only two regular season home matches remaining on the schedule, the Stars are still protecting an undefeated record at the ShoWare Center, sitting at 8-0. Tacoma has scored an average of 7.3 goals per match and out-scored their opponents by 20 goals at home this season, while averaging just 4.7 goals per match on the road.
Following a trio of assists recorded on the road last week, Tacoma forward Alex Megson took over the top spot on the Stars offense with 26 points. Forward Dan Antoniuk and midfielder Micheal Ramos, each with 24 points, are right on Megson’s heels. Goalkeeper Danny Waltman remains the only Stars player to see time in net this year, accumulating nearly 1,100 minutes and 239 saves.
The Mustangs (9-8) enter the match on a four-game winning streak, and have yet to face off against a Pacific Division opponent this season.
Chicago’s offense runs through forward Taylor Bond, who has racked up 46 points and ranks among the league’s top-five players in points, goals, and points per game. While nobody else on the team has surpassed 20 points, the Mustangs do have seven other players with double-digit point totals. The Mustang’s primary goalkeeper this year has been Jesus Flores, who boasts 221 saves and a .682 save percentage over 905 minutes in goal.
Live stats for the match can be found at maslsoccer.com, while a live online stream will be available through MASLtv. First kick is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
Season ticket packages, group outings, family packs and suite offerings for the Stars are available. To purchase, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online.
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