STARS TIE IT UP LATE, FALL IN OT TO DALLAS

by Pete Richmire

ALLEN, TX - The Tacoma Stars saw their mini road win streak snapped at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center, though they salvaged a point in losing in overtime to the Dallas Sidekicks 8-7 Thursday night.

Jamael Cox kept his hot streak going with a hat trick, including the game's equalizer with 2:19 left in the 4th quarter on a penalty kick. Willie Spurr chipped in with two goals for Tacoma and Nani Mendoza and Sebastian Navarro picked up a goal each.

With Alessandro Canale and Chris Toth away on U.S. National Beach Soccer duties, and Nick Perera and Adrian Correa injured, the Stars needed the team to come together, and they did. Trailing 3-0 early in the 2nd quarter, Tacoma brought the game within one at halftime with the Sidekicks up 4-3.

Replacing Toth in goal for the Stars was Luis Birrueta, who made some spectacular saves on his way to stopping 14 shots in the game.

After the teams traded goals in the 3rd frame, Dallas rebuilt their two-goal advantage and led the game 7-5 with 6:33 left in regulation. Cox's second goal brought Tacoma within one before his game-tying goal sent the game to the extra period.

The OT didn't last long though, as Blas Pérez netted the game-winner for Dallas just 20 seconds into the period. Aside from Pérez, Oscar Romero and Jamie Lovegrove each had four-point nights for the Sidekicks.