Tuesday, October 23, 2001
By Al Cohen
Philadelphia Kixx Correspondent
The Philadelphia KiXX today brought back one of their young talents from last season, re-signing midfielder Les Lunsford (Blue Anchor, N.J.) to a Major Indoor Soccer League offer sheet. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
Lunsford appeared in nine games as a rookie last season and scored his first career goal on March 31 vs. Baltimore. The 24-year-old spent time over the summer with the South Jersey Barons of the D3 Pro League and also has experience with the Delaware Wizards (D3) and Lehigh Valley Steam (A-League). Lunsford starred at Richard Stockton College, where he ranks first all-time in assists and was named the New Jersey College Player of the Year as a senior in 1998.
"Les is a versatile player who can be plugged into almost any position," said KiXX head coach Omid Namazi. "He is a young prospect with a great attitude who really developed last season. I think he could be a solid contributor this year."
The KiXX opened the season on Saturday with a 16-11 home victory over the two-time defending champion Milwaukee Wave. Philadelphia returns to the First Union Spectrum this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. to host the Kansas City Comets.
Saturday will be Harry Potter Night, as 50 kids will have the chance to win great Harry Potter prizes during the Harry Potter Costume Contest at halftime. Kids can also go trick-or-treating during the Spectrum Spooktacular from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the concourse, and Kellogg's Squishy Soccer balls will be given out to the first 5,000 fans. As always, be sure to check out the new KiXX Korner interactive soccer village on the concourse. The KiXX Korner contains a sign-making table, face painters, hair painting, interactive games, pre-game SideKiXX autographs and more.
Individual KiXX game tickets are $10 at all times for kids 14 and under and range from $16-$18 for adults. Season ticket prices for 18 games (doesn't include two School Day Games) begin at $198, while half-season and six-game Pick-A-Plan options are available. Contact the KiXX office at 888-888-KIXX for season tickets, group discounts, birthday packages and Family Four Packs. Individual game tickets are available at the First Union Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling 215-336-2000, 856-338-9000 or 302-984-2000.
