Auburn hopes to score with soccer

Yes, but will they eat at "Big Daddy's" before or after?

The December 31st Tacoma News Tribune talks about an Auburn city plan to build an indoor soccer arena in their downtown area.


Can soccer moms – not to mention dads and youths – help kick-start downtown economic development?

That’s the hope of Auburn city officials, who are looking for a qualified developer to build an indoor youth soccer facility on a block of downtown property.

The city already owns most of the block and is willing to sell or lease it.

The connection between indoor soccer and economic development seems logical, said Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, who is leading the city’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area.

“We’ve been looking at indoor youth sports,” he explained. “We want something for kids downtown … that can bring soccer moms downtown.”

Soccer parents mean foot traffic, and downtowns thrive on people who shop, walk and eat there, according to Dave Baron, the city’s economic development manager.

Stars dimmed in home opener

It is a short 10-game season in the PASL Northwest Division, but for the Tacoma Stars it already looks like it's going to be a long year.

Tacoma had no defense in their road opener in December 1st, giving up 12 goals and drawing Troutdale 24-24 under the new MISL scoring system.

Last night the Stars played their first home match and were outplayed by the Wenatchee Fire who came away with a 13-9 win (6 goals to 4).

Tacoma never led in the game and two 4th quarter tallies insured the visitor's victory.

So what's 'wrong' with this year's Stars? Lots of new faces, and so far anyway, a tendency to give the ball away too easily and not help each other on team defense.

About 200 fans showed up at the Tacoma Soccer Center. Tacoma is now 0-1-1 after two matches with 1 standings point.

The Stars will try for their first win on Saturday January 5th when they host the Central Oregon Steelheaders at the Tacoma Soccer Center at 7:00 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids, 10 years or under get in free.

A few more home opener photos from GOALTacoma.com start HERE.
View the Stars season schedule HERE.