EPHRATA - For approximately the fifth time this season, the Ephrata Tigers' took an early 1-0 lead only to see it vanish into a loss.

Against Central Washington Athletic Conference (CWAC) rivals Toppenish last night, Ephrata's 20th minute goal by Dylan Benthem would not hold up as the visiting Wildcats would counter with two goals soonafter and put the match away late in a 3-1 win.

Ephrata (1-8-1, 0-4) were exposed on the back line by Toppenish's speed according to Tigers coach Keith Laughlin.

"I'm a little frustrated because we lose the focus after we take the lead," Laughlin said. "It's one of those things that I don't know what has caused this. We come out and play well, create the opportunities, but defense we can't keep the focus the entire match."

Ephrata was outshot 14-5.