MLS Teams Grab Key Defenders From the Splash

The Splash, which had one of the Continental Indoor Soccer League’s best defenses last year, took a hit from Major League Soccer, which announced its roster of players over the weekend.

Forward Jose Vasquez, a projected starter for the Galaxy, and three defenders will move from the Splash to the outdoor MLS.

The defenders are Sean Bowers (Kansas City), Denis Hamlett (Colorado) and John O’Brien (Galaxy). The Splash allowed only six goals per game last year, tied for the third-best total in the league.

General Manager Don Ebert didn’t make an issue of the losses.

“I don’t think we’re any different than any other team in the league,” Ebert said. “With Bowers and Hamlett, as high as they were drafted, and Vasquez walking on and starting, that shows how talented the Splash players were, and that you can come indoors and establish yourself.

“Five to seven years ago, [outdoor leagues] tried to penalize you for playing indoors. . . . Now, there’s life beyond college. I hope [the Splash players] do well, and if they don’t, they can come back.”