Anaheim Splash

Did You Know?

• The team was originally named Los Angeles United and owned by Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
• George Fernandez won Coach of the Year in 1994, the Splash's first season in Anaheim.
• Joe Tutino, later the Los Angeles Galaxy's English-language announcer, called Splash games on KPLS radio in 1994 and 1995.

Anaheim Splash

When Ogden Facility Management bought Los Angeles United, the team relocated to the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and was renamed the Anaheim Splash to match the arena’s name. The club improved quickly, posting a 20–8 record and falling to the Las Vegas Dustdevils in the playoff semifinals. In 1995, the CISL shifted Anaheim to the Southern Division, where the Splash won the division title but again lost in the semifinals, this time to the Sacramento Knights.

After more league contraction in 1996, the Splash moved back to the Western Division, finished second, and lost in the quarterfinals. The following season, they placed second again and lost in the second round to the Sacramento Knights. Both the CISL and the Anaheim Splash ceased operations on December 23, 1997. Over four seasons, the Splash drew an average of 6,393 fans per game, and 6,822 per playoff game.

Individual awards included Coach of the Year (George Fernandez, 1994), Defender of the Year (Ralph Black, 1994), Goalkeeper of the Year (Jorge Valenzuela, 1995), and First Team All Star selections for Ralph Black (1994) and Sean Bowers (1995).