Zodiac Wins on Leal’s Goal in OT

Gustavo Leal scored the winning goal six minutes into overtime Friday night, leading the Zodiac to a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Flash in A-League soccer before 1,782 at Santa Ana Stadium.

The Western Conference- and Pacific Division-leading Flash (19-8) took a 1-0 advantage in the fifth minute when Kevin Legg sent a free kick to Chugger Adair at the back post. Adair sent the ball to Daniel Sinohiu, who followed with a header for the score.

The Zodiac (15-10) controlled the rest of the first half, but failed to capitalize on several opportunities until Steve Patterson scored in the 37th minute.

The Flash played the second half with a man advantage after Zodiac defender Martin Vasquez was ejected in the 40th minute, but goalkeeper Mike Littman and the defense held off the San Diego attack. Jerome Watson had a chance to win it for the Flash in the 79th minutes on a break inside the penalty box, but Littman made the save.

The Zodiac will travel to San Diego tonight for a rematch with the Flash at San Diego Mesa College at 7:30. It is the final regular-season game for the Flash, which is bidding to clinch the division title and earn the top seeded spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

The Zodiac ends its season Sept. 4 at El Paso.