Zodiac Still Looking for Solutions

SANTA ANA — Coach Tony Cerna had two weeks to get the Zodiac, idle since May 2, moving in the right direction.

But Friday, the Zodiac only spun its wheels again, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Colorado Foxes in an A-League game in front of an announced 1,895 at Santa Ana Stadium.

At times, the Zodiac appeared to be making progress. Scoring the first goal--Gustavo Leal redirected a Jose Vasquez cross in the 26th minute--certainly was a good sign.

The Zodiac also showed speed and creativity up front and set up quite a few strong scoring opportunities.

The defense had its moments too, benefiting from the addition of stopper John Jones, on loan from the Galaxy, and Gerardo Arana, an aggressive fullback who most recently played for Leon in the Mexican first division. Another Galaxy player, midfielder Brad Wilson, pitched in with a nice assist on a goal by Jose Botello to make it 3-2 in the 73rd minute.

However, numerous breakdowns on defense doomed the team to its fourth consecutive loss.

Cerna said he wasn’t disappointed with his team’s play. Colorado is a solid, experienced team. Zodiac players are still learning to work together. Still, Cerna said, the game illustrated that more adjustments are necessary.

“In the starting lineup there are a couple of players who aren’t doing it,” Cerna said. “I have to think about making some changes.”

Cerna declined to single out anyone, but the Foxes weren’t so deferential during the game. They took advantage of nearly every chance they got.

In the 55th minute, Colorado’s Ross Paule, on loan from the MLS Colorado Rapids, ran onto a long ball and got only token pressure from two Zodiac fullbacks. He flicked in a shot as goalkeeper Mike Gartlan charged at him, giving the Foxes a 2-1 lead.

In the 68th minute, Colorado forward Steve Patterson, a former Foothill High player, drew a penalty in the box, and Chad Ashton, tied for the A-League scoring lead entering the game, knocked in the penalty kick for his second goal of the game.

After the Zodiac made it 3-2 on Botello’s goal, its defense broke down again and reserve forward Dan Huber put the game away in the 86th minute.