Stars drop two on road trip

The Tacoma Stars started 2019 with a two-game road trip to Texas, which saw them face off against El Paso and Rio Grande Valley. Unfortunately neither result went for the Stars, dropping them to 4-3 on the season.

Results

El Paso 9
Tacoma 7

The Stars first traveled to El Paso for a date with the Coyotes. A back-and-forth first half saw Tacoma trailing by a goal, 4-3. The Stars fought back in the third frame and led entering the fourth quarter, but four El Paso goals would eventually down the Tacoma.
Goal Scorers: Perera 2 (8), West 2 (7), Ramos (4), Lund (6), Palmerin (1)

Rio Grande Valley 8
Tacoma 4

A day of travel led to Hidalgo, TX, for a date with the Barracudas. The two squads were on equal terms for three of the four quarters, and both squads traded three goals in the fourth quarter. Sadly for Tacoma, the Barracudas tagged the Stars defense with four goals in the third quarter to run away with this game.
Goal Scorers: Ramos 2 (6), Perera (9), Da Silva (1)

Divisional Race

All four Pacific Division teams have played at lease seven games. After Tacoma led the division heading into the holidays after two victories prior to Christmas, but now sit in third place.

San Diego 6-1
Ontario 6-3
Tacoma 4-3
Turlock 0-7

Upcoming

The Stars are home this weekend for two matches. The Stars host the Monterrey Flash on Friday night at 7:35 p.m. On Saturday, the Stars play game two of a doubleheader with the Tacoma Stars Reserves, who play at 3:45 p.m. Following the Reserves, the Stars will take on the Ontario Fury in the Teddy Bear Toss game. Fans are encouraged to bring a plush toy and throw it on the field after the Stars’ first goal.

Stats
Stars Stats up to Jan. 7 (top five listed)

Goals: Perera 9, West 7, Lund 6, J. Cox 5, Ramos/Clare 4

Assists: Perera 10, Ramos 7, Lund/Hansen/Da Silva 3

Points: Perera 19, Ramos 11, Lund 9, West/J.Cox7

The Stars have only used one goalkeeper this year — Danny Waltman has a 5.38 GAA, a .667 save percentage and has made 72 saves.