Zodiac Builds Momentum, Beats Riverboat Gamblers

SANTA ANA — With one quick kick from Jake Dancy, the Zodiac had its first winning streak.

OK, so it’s only a two-game streak, but the Zodiac will gladly take it after posting a 1-0 victory over the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers in an A-League game in front of an announced crowd of 1,200 Sunday at Santa Ana Stadium.

The Zodiac (3-4) broke a four-game losing streak May 21 by defeating the California Jaguars, 2-1.

Sunday, Dancy scored in the 74th minute off a rebound from Gustavo Leal’s shot and goalkeeper Marco Cerna made some late key saves against the Riverboat Gamblers (3-6) to preserve his second victory in his second consecutive start.

“Little by little, game to game, this team is getting better and better,” Zodiac Coach Tony Cerna said. “And it was a big help having J.J. and Wilson around too.”

Cerna was referring to defender John Jones and midfielder Brad Wilson. They were playing on loan from the Galaxy, the Zodiac’s Major League Soccer affiliate.

Jones helped save the potential tying goal in the 86th minute when he cleared a shot that New Orleans forward Mickey Trotman took from deep in the penalty area on the right side.

Although the Zodiac defense wasn’t flawless and the offense failed to capitalize on some scoring chances late in the second half, Orange County still got the breaks it needed.

“We could have won 3-0 or 4-0,” Cerna said.

Carlos Farias and Leal set up the Zodiac’s only goal. With Leal sprinting up the left wing, Farias split two defenders with a pass. Leal took the ball, then charged into the penalty area where New Orleans goalkeeper Russell Payne crept out to challenge him.

Leal fired his shot from 10 yards and Payne made the initial save. But the rebound deflected to the right and Dancy was there to knock the ball into an open net.

“It was a lucky goal for me,” Dancy said. “We were talking at halftime and we said to each other that it could come down to the team making just one mistake. Luckily, they made it then we came through.

“Now, hopefully we can get on a roll.”

Dancy said he signed with the Zodiac 1 1/2 weeks ago and Sunday’s game was only his second with the team. He had been playing with the U.S. national 20-and-under team and also spent time with the Kansas City Wizards of MLS.

He is one of the new additions and a small part of Cerna’s lineup changes. For the second consecutive game, forward Jose Vasquez played at defender. He scored two goals in the first three games.

“Jose is a professional,” Cerna said. “Besides, if you are a forward but you cannot play defense, then you have no spot on this team. But everyone is working hard now.”