For the Reporter
The Major Arena Soccer League today announced that Tacoma Stars goalkeeper Danny Waltman has been selected to the All-MASL first-team squad.
In his first season with the Stars, Waltman finished among the top 10 keepers in the league in every statistical category. The Gig Harbor native spent more than 1,200 minutes in goal for Tacoma, recording 13 wins and 275 saves while allowing just 5.41 goals per game.
“It’s an honor to be selected first-team All-MASL,” Waltman said. “There are so many talented goalkeepers in this league that had great seasons. The way our team defends, I think anyone could step into goal for us and be up for awards at the end of the year.”
In Tacoma’s two playoff matches against the San Diego Sockers, Waltman logged 33 saves in 134 minutes, allowing 8.45 goals per game.
“We are very happy for Danny on his selection to first-team All-MASL,” Stars coach and general manager Darren Sawatzky said. “He was easily our team MVP this year, and without him we would not have had the success we enjoyed in our first full year in the league. Danny represents the best in professionalism and we are excited to have him here for years to come.”
Joining Waltman on the All-MASL first-team roster are Sonora forward Franck Tayou, San Diego forward Craig Chiles, Missouri midfielder Vahid Assadpour, Sonora defender Damian Garcia and Las Vegas defender Eric Guzman.
Stars defender Adam West, who led the club in scoring during the regular season with 26 points, earned MASL honorable mention.
“Adam was a top defender for us this year, dealing with both the first team selection forwards when we played Sonora and San Diego,” Sawatzky said. “We are glad he was recognized as he also scored some very important goals for us.”
Last week, Waltman was named a finalist for both MVP and Goalkeeper of the Year, while midfielder Michael Ramos and Sawatzky are up for Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
The winners of the MASL Most Valuable Player, Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Rookie of the Year will be announced by the league this Thursday, Mar. 17.
Season tickets for the Stars 2016-17 season are available now. To make a deposit, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars at www.tacomastars.com.
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