Splash Blows Lead, Then Loses in Shootout

The Splash blew a three-goal lead over the final 17 minutes of regulation, then lost in a shootout, 5-4, to Arizona in a Continental Indoor Soccer League game Saturday in Phoenix.

The victory was the third in a row for Arizona (6-13), the second-worst scoring team in the league. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Splash.

It was the first loss in four career shootouts for Splash goalkeeper Ruben Fernandez.

The Splash (12-9) controlled the first three quarters, getting consecutive goals by Paul Agyeman and Bernie Lilavois in the first half. Doug Neely and Mathew Davis scored in the third quarter for a 4-1 lead.

After a scoreless overtime, only Neely scored in the shootout; Arizona goalkeeper Scott Hileman blocked shots by Davis and Lilavois, then Danny Barber missed high and player/coach Dale Ervine missed wide.

It was the Splash’s first loss in the second of five back-to-back games. The Splash ended its 14-day eight-game stretch with a 6-2 record.