Continental Indoor Soccer League (1994-1997)
Tombstone
Born: 1994 – Los Angeles United relocates to Anaheim, CA
Folded: December 23, 1997
First Game: June 10, 1994 (W 7-4 vs. Las Vegas Dustdevils)
Last Game: October 7, 1997 (L 6-3 @ Sacramento Knights)
CISL Championships: None
Arena
Arrowhead Pond (16,163)11997 Continental Indoor Soccer League Official Guide
Opened: 1993
Marketing
Team Colors: Black, White & Blue21997 Continental Indoor Soccer League Official Guide
Radio:
- 1995: KORG (1190 AM)
Radio Broadcaster:
- 1995: Joe Tutino
Dance Team: The Mermaids
Ownership
Owners:
- 1994-1996: Ogden Facility Management
- 1996: Bill Williams
- 1996-1997: Gary Sparks et al.
Attendance
Tilting your mobile device may offer better viewing.
Sources:
- 1997 Continental Indoor Soccer League Official Guide (1994-1996 figures)
- 1997 Continental Indoor Soccer League Post-Season Reference Guide (1997 figures)
Background
The Anaheim Splash played four seasons in the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL) and were typically among the league’s stronger clubs, thanks to a roster stocked with long-time indoor veterans like Ralph Black, Rod Castro, Dale Ervine and Doug Neely.
The team underwent three ownership transitions during its short history, starting with its acquisition by Ogden Facility Management, operators of the Arrowhead Pond arena in 1994. Ogden acquired the club from L.A. Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, who owned the franchise – then called Los Angeles United – during the CISL’s inaugural season in 1993. The Splash had their best success under Ogden, winning back-to-back division titles and advancing to the playoff semi-finals both seasons. In 1995, the Splash averaged a franchise-best 8,429 fans per game, which ranked 2nd in the 15-team CISL.
After the 1995 season, Ogden re-focused on its core business of running 200 annual events at the Pond and announced the Splash would either be sold or folded. Arizonan Bill Williams stepped in at the 11th hour and saved the team, then flipped the club to a 20-person group of local investors led by Coast (Youth) Soccer League President Gary Sparks two months later. The Splash continued to be competitive for two more seasons, but attendance declined under Sparks’ under-capitalized management group.
Demise
The Splash’s problems came to a head at the end of the 1997 season, when Sparks fell behind on payments to players and staff. The Splash threatened to boycott the opening round of the 1997 playoffs and the CISL seized the franchise from Sparks in late September. The Splash did agree to play without full pay, but had their home playoff games moved to the road and were quickly eliminated by the Sacramento Knights.
The CISL was still looking for an investor/solution for the Splash when the entire league folded on December 23, 1997.
Anaheim Splash Shop
Links
###
One Response
I played with the Anaheim Splash for the last four seasons (1994-1997) as the starting goalkeeper for the first three years and the backup GK for the final season. It was a great experience and yes, it was Fun While It Lasted. Playing with some of the top players in the league in a first class arena was a great way to finish my career. Thank you to all the players, management and owners who made it possible.
Jorge Valenzuela – GoalKeeper