Splash Wins Again at The Pond; Tough Trip Is Next

And now the test.

The Splash won its 10th home game of the season, a 7-1 victory Monday over the Pittsburgh Stingers, the best road team in the Continental Indoor Soccer League.

It was the Splash’s fourth victory in five games, and now comes the critical point in its 28-game season. On deck is the CISL’s longest trip, seven games against four teams with a .500 record or better.

The Splash (13-5) is 10-1 at The Pond of Anaheim, but only 3-4 away from home.

“Championships are won on the road,” defender Ralph Black said. “If anybody thinks going 3-4 on this road trip is good, we might be watching the championship at home; 3-4 is not acceptable for this team.”

The Splash at least has some momentum heading into the trip. Rod Castro and Armando Valdivia scored twice against the Stingers (9-9), and Denis Hamlett, Doug Neely and Dale Ervine each scored once.

Raffaele Ruotolo, who assisted Neely on his league-record 11th power-play goal, extended to 19 his indoor record for consecutive games with an assist.

The Splash’s next home game is Aug. 28 against Sacramento.