Stinson Shines as Strykers Lose 7-5 Thriller to Tacoma

Ontario, Calif. – The Empire Strykers rued a listless opening quarter on Sunday evening, as they fell to the visiting Tacoma Stars in dramatic fashion. The 7-5 defeat, which sees Empire drop to 2-7-0 (wins-losses-overtime-shootout losses) on its Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) campaign, came courtesy of three straight Tacoma tallies in the first period as well as standout outings from Nick Perera, Jamael Cox, and ex-Strykers ‘keeper Chris Toth. While Perera and Cox each had three points, Toth boasted 20 saves and a .750 save percentage. Empire ace Justin Stinson had two goals and an assist in the contest.

After Toth did well to rush off his line and deny Strykers forward Harold Hanson’s one-on-one opportunity, the Stars took the lead somewhat against the run of play, Nick Perera setting up Matt Braem on a counterattack. The away team could have doubled its lead, but Empire netminder Brandon Gomez produced a fingertip save to keep out a powerful drive by Michael Ramos. Tacoma did make it 0-2 not long thereafter, as Jamael Cock converted a helper from Alex Caceres. Defender Caceres bagged his second assist of the day moments later, Logan Jones finding the net to make it 0-3.

The home side finally pulled on back on a breakaway in the second quarter, as Hanson’s through ball released Momo Gueye and the Senegalese-American calmly slotted past Toth. The Stars came close to reestablishing their previous advantage on consecutive looks, Strykers ‘keeper Gomez twice rising the occasion to keep his team within two. First, the Los Angeles native went fully outstretched for a right-handed diving parry against Adrean Correa. Then, he left his feet to tip over Perera’s long-range rocket. However, Gomez would be helpless when Cox made it 1-4 on an assist by Perera.

In the game’s third period, the fans at Toyota Arena had reason to think perhaps it wasn’t meant to be for their side, as former Mexico international Fabian sent a seemingly simple finish from the doorstep over the bar, wasting a golden chance to strike on a power play. Empire was very nearly punished for the squandered look when Gomez had to sprint far off his line and come up with an outstanding kick save to deny Cox. At the other end, a fierce Fabian drive forced a strong diving save by Toth, followed by the Strykers’ second tally of the match. Mijatovic tapped the ball home from close range, Randy Martinez bagging the assist.

The Stars…