For the Reporter

The Tacoma Stars look to clinch the MASL’s final spot for the Ron Newman Cup playoffs on Friday when they host the Kansas City Comets.

Kickoff is 7:35 p.m. at the accesso ShoWare Center.

Seven teams have already punched their ticket and the last spot will be decided this week. Should Ontario lose to San Diego on Thursday night, the Stars (10-11) would be in, but a win Friday against the Comets (6-14) would clinch a spot regardless and would be Tacoma’s third straight, giving them momentum heading into the postseason.

To get that done, Tacoma’s defense will have to stop one of the better offenses in the league led by Leo Gibson’s 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists), which puts him fourth in the MASL in scoring. Bryan Perez (36), Ignacio Flores (32) and Lucas Rodriguez (25) give Kansas City four players with 25-plus points this season. The Comets are averaging 7.5 goals per game.

The Stars are paced offensively by Nick Perera’s 33 points (23 goals, 10 assists) and Taylor Walter Bond with 24 (17 goals, seven assists). Perera ranks in the league’s top ten in points per game with 2.4 and game winning goals with four. Tacoma’s defense, which has been strong this season is bolstered by goalkeeper Danny Waltman, who ranks fifth in the league in wins with 10.

Friday is Fan Appreciation Night with hundreds of prizes to be given out during the game.

For tickets, call 1-800-STARS-84 or go to tacomastars.com.