Soto Scores Twice in Zodiac’s Wild Victory

Eddie Soto scored two goals as the Zodiac beat the Cincinnati Riverhawks, 5-1, in an A-League soccer game Friday at UC Irvine.

Soto’s first goal came on a disputed play in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Chris Wanamaker slid to intercept a pass in the corner of the penalty box. Wanamaker stopped the ball on the line, throwing his body outside the box to avoid a penalty. Soto took the ball and scored in the open net.

The referee indicated a goal as the Cincinnati defense argued the call. Two players were ejected for abusive language and the Zodiac led, 2-1, and gained a two-man advantage.

After another Riverhawk player was ejected after a second caution, the Zodiac (3-1) took advantage of short-handed Cincinnati (0-3) and Soto scored again on a crossing pass from Steve Patterson for a 3-1 lead.

Cincinnati Coach Nick Ranieri was ejected for abusive language in the 45th minute.