Tuesday, March 5, 2002
By Greg Wiley
Philadelphia KiXX Correspondent
Philadelphia KiXX defender and Pat Morris and player/coach Omid Namazi have been invited to participate in the upcoming U.S. Futsal National Team Training Camp in Washington, DC from March 17-22.
Morris, a Philadelphia native, has begun to make a name for himself throughout the indoor soccer community. The Philadelphia University and Northeast Catholic High School graduate has spent just three seasons in professional indoor soccer and was selected as a starter to his first Major Indoor Soccer League All-Star Game this season.
The 24-year-old Morris, who was named the 1998 Philadelphia Soccer 7 Player of the Year, has tallied six three-point goals, 14 two-pointers and 10 assists for a career-high 56 points in just 32 games this year. His previous career best was 32 points set last season.
"This is such an honor to just be invited to the Futsal team," Morris said. "I have worked so hard to get to where I am and I'm glad to know that people are paying attention."
Morris was also a Regional All-American during his senior season at Philadelphia University and was a four-time Soccer 7 All-Star selection. He ended his collegiate career fourth on the school's all-time points list, recording 120 points and 49 goals.
Namazi has played in just 18 games this season, registering a three-point goal, a two-pointer and a team-best 19 assists. After starting the campaign strictly as the club's head coach, the 35-year-old Namazi chose to take the field as a player/coach just 12 games into the campaign. He is regarded as one of the best indoor defenders to ever take the field, while also making a name for himself with his incredible desire to win.
Futsal is a sport derivative of soccer and played with five-man teams on a basketball style court with no walls and a low bouncing ball. Great soccer superstars such as Pele, Zico and Ronaldo grew up playing the game and credit futsal with developing their skills.
Milwaukee Wave head coach Keith Tozer is the head coach of the U.S. Futsal National Team.
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