The Tacoma Stars are known for their youth and local ties, with most players coming to the Stars having experience playing for teams in the Washington Indoor Soccer League, the United Soccer League, or the Premier Development League (now known as USL League 2, where the Sounders U23s reside). In addition, there are former Major League Soccer players who may be familiar to the local fans. There may not be anyone as familiar, however, as Sounders legend James Riley, who joins the Tacoma Stars this season.
The Colorado Springs native took the traditional American path to professional soccer, playing for Wake Forest University.