Berto’s Goals Push Shadow Streak To Nine

Dave Berto scored twice and Zane Higgins played setup man again as the Spokane Shadow ran their USISL win streak to nine Friday by overpowering the Fontana Falcons 5-2 in a physical, spirited match.

The Shadow, which had defeated the Falcons 4-2 in a physical meeting two weeks ago in Spokane, ran their Premier Division, Western Conference-leading record to 8-1 and their overmark to 13-2.

They visit the Southern California Gunners tonight.

With Higgins scoring his eighth goal of the season and setting up Berto’s first of the night around Jim Martinson’s eighth goal, the Shadow took a 3-0 lead at halftime. But the Falcons (4-7, 5-11) came out hard to start the second half and capitalized on Spokane miscommunication to victimize backup goalie Bill May, who came on at the break, for two goals within 10 minutes.

Shadow 5, Falcons 2

First half - 1, Spokane, Higgins 24:00. 2, Spokane, Martinson (Sanders) 28:00. 3, Spokane, Berto (Higgins) 43:00. Second half - 4, Fontana, Swanson 47:00. 5, Fontana, O’Hara 55:00. 6, Spokane, Berto (Penalty kick) 65:00. 7, Spokane, Rose 85:00.

Shots on goal - SS 14, Fontana 10.

Saves - SS, Nagel 1, May 6. Fontana, Castellano 7.