Tacoma Stars goalkeeper Danny Waltman and defender Cory Keitz have been named to the Major Arena Soccer League Team of the Week for week four, the league announced this afternoon.
Waltman and Keitz contributed pivotal performances to the Stars success over the weekend as they took home victories against the Dallas Sidekicks and St. Louis Ambush on the road.
Over the pair of road wins, Waltman clocked in with a total of 29 saves on 37 shots to raise his season save percentage to .696, the sixth best mark in the league. Waltman also stopped two of the Sidekicks three attempts in the Stars 6-5 shootout victory on Friday night.
“Danny stood on his head this past weekend, making saves and leading our team,” Stars coach and general manger Darren Sawatzky said. “When he is in form, I can’t think of a better goalkeeper in the league. I am happy for him, he deserves the recognition.”
Keitz led the way for the Stars defensive effort over the weekend, contributing three blocks against the Sidekicks and four more the next night in St. Louis. His nine total blocks this season lead the MASL.
“Our defending has improved over the past couple weeks, and Cory is a huge piece of that,” Sawatzky said. “Both Dallas and St. Louis have all-star level forwards and Cory did well to help keep them quiet against us.”
The effort from Waltman, Keitz, and the rest of the Stars vaulted Tacoma (4-1) into first place in the MASL Pacific Division, one full game ahead of the San Diego Sockers.
Joining Waltman and Keitz on the MASL Team of the Week are Turlock Express defender Jose Martinez, Cedar Rapids Rampage midfielder Gordy Gurson, Milwaukee Wave midfielder Ian Bennett, and Soles De Sonora forward Franck Tayou. Tacoma midfielder Micheal Ramos and forward Alex Megson took home honorable mention acclaim.
The Stars break this week for the Thanksgiving holiday before returning to action with a road match against the San Diego Sockers on Friday, Dec. 2. First kick for that match is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
Single-game tickets, season ticket packages, group outings, family packs and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2016-17 season are available. To purchase, call 1-844-STARS-TIME or visit the Stars online at tacomastars.com.
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