Arena soccer reboots for 2013 with big matches this weekend

The PASL is back and kicking after a holiday break and the Northwest clubs are facing some big matches this weekend.

In the pro ranks the Tacoma Stars are down in Las Vegas to face Greg Howes and the Legends on Friday night January 4th. Tacoma is 4th in the Pacific Division with a 3-4 record. The Legends are 7-1 and in first place in the Southwestern.

In the Premier Arena Soccer League on Saturday night January 5th the Tumwater Pioneers host their first-ever home match, against the Marysville Ruckus. In Bremerton the South Sound Shock visit the Pumas in a winner-takes-over-first-place battle. Arlington hosts Snohomish and Wenatchee hosts WSA Rapids in the two other contests.

The playoff format and eight-match season make every match important, and this weekend is no exception. The Pumas and Shock are building a fierce rivalry and Saturday night’s rumble in Bremerton should be a dandy. The two played to a 7:7 draw in their first meeting a few weeks ago.

Arlington was blown out 10:1 at Snohomish in their debut match so they will want some revenge when they host the Skyhawks. Snoho are hoping to get back on the winning track after their hot start was cooled by Wenatchee before the break.

The Rapids and the Fire are bunched together just outside of a playoff spot right now. Saturday night’s match in the Apple Capital will go some ways towards pushing one side or the other back into contention.

It’s been a long wait for Tumwater Pioneers fans, who have followed the club since it was announced last fall but are just now getting to attend a league home match. The Pios have a lot of catching up to do and the Marysville Rukcus are hoping to spoil the party and get their second win.

About these ads