Anaheim Splash

The Anaheim Splash was a U.S. indoor soccer team that played in the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL). It was founded in 1992 as the Los Angeles United, but was sold after the season. The new ownership moved the team to Anaheim, California and renamed it the Anaheim Splash. The team folded in 1997, along with the CISL.

Los Angeles United

In the fall of 1992, Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, was instrumental in the founding of the CISL. On August 19, 1992, he was awarded a franchise named Los Angeles United. The team played in the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, which was also owned by Buss. The team went 6-22, drawing an average of less than 2000 fans per game. At the end of the season, Buss sold the team to Ogden Facility Management.

Year-by-year

Coach

* Gus Mokalis

Anaheim Splash

When Ogden Facility Maganement purchased Los Angeles United, they moved the team to the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and renamed the team the Anaheim Splash to capitalize on the name of the team’s arena. The team saw an immediate turn around on the field, going 20-8 and losing to the Las Vegas Dustdevils in the playoff semifinals. In 1995, the CISL rearranged the teams, moving Anaheim to the Southern Division. Anaheim again won the division title before losing in the semifinals, this time to the Sacramento Knights. In 1996, the league began losing teams, leading to another readjustment of the teams, with the Splash returning to the Western Division, placing second in the division, but losing to the quarterfinals. In 1997, the Splash again finished second in the division, but lost in the second round to the Sacramento Knights. The CISL and Anaheim Splash both folded on December 23, 1997. During its four seasons in Anaheim, the Splash averaged just under nine thousand spectators per game.

Year-by-year

Honor

Coach of the Year
* 1994: George Fernandez

Defender of the Year
* 1994: Ralph Black

Goalkeeper of the Year
* 1995: Ruben Fernandes

First Team All Star
* 1994: Ralph Black
* 1995: Sean Bowers

Coaches

* George Fernandez 1994-1995
* Ian Fulton 1996
* Dale Ervine 1997

External links

* [http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/cisl-history.html CISL yearly standings]
* [http://www.kicksfan.com/opponents/anaheim/index.htm Team profile]