Zodiac Defeats Flash in Shootout
Goalkeeper Mike Littman stopped four shootout shots, leading the Zodiac to a 2-1 victory over San Diego Thursday night before an announced crowd of 504 at Santa Ana Stadium.
The Zodiac’s victory ended San Diego’s eight-game winning streak and handed the Flash only its second loss. Both losses have come to the Zodiac in Santa Ana.
San Diego (8-2, 35 points) is still 11 points ahead of the Zodiac (5-5, 22 points) in the Pacific Division of the A-League. In the Zodiac’s first shootout, Littman gave up four goals in a loss to U.S. Pro 40.
But Thursday, he was spectacular.
“I tried to let the offensive player make the decision tonight,” Littman said. “I wanted to stand up and hold my ground. I was guessing too much the first time.”
Said Zodiac co-Coach Ricardo Minaya: “The key for Mike was coming out quick. He pumped everybody up. He told everybody before the shootout, ‘If there’s a time to stand up, it’s now.’ ”
The clinching shootout goal was scored by forward Steve Patterson, who almost cost the Zodiac seconds before regulation ended in a 1-1 tie. Patterson’s clearing header bounced off the crossbar and into the Littman’s arms.
“I yelled ‘Away,’ ” Littman said. “When I saw the ball go over my head, I thought ‘Oh my God.’ Luckily, it bounced right back to me.”
A minute before Patterson’s near own-goal, the Zodiac came within inches of winning. Zodiac midfielder Brad Wilson’s deflected shot was volleyed away by defender Noah Gins just before it crossed the line.
Eddie Soto scored the Zodiac goal in the 60th minute when his left-footed touch from 10 yards floated over the arms of Flash goalkeeper Tom Tate, who came out to challenge. But the celebration was short-lived. Thirty seconds later, Zodiac midfielder Martin Vasquez was called for a handball in the penalty box. Flash midfielder Carlos Farias scored on the penalty kick.
The Zodiac’s best chance of scoring in overtime came with 20 seconds left. Patterson had a breakaway, but he was turned away by Tate, who came out to smother the shot as it left Patterson’s right foot. The ball squirted away, but Patterson could not regain his footing in time to put anything on the ball.
The Zodiac’s victory was costly. Forward Jose Vasquez was called for two yellow cards and was ejected from the game in the 39th minute, forcing the Zodiac to play a man down for 30 minutes. Vasquez is suspended for the next three games for previous offenses. In the 69th minute, San Diego’s Chugger Adair was given a red card for a flagrant elbow.
