Mayor Street Salutes MISL Champion KiXX

Monday, May 13, 2002

By Greg Wiley
Philadelphia KiXX Correspondent

In recognition of the Philadelphia KiXX winning the 2001-2002 Major Indoor Soccer League Championship, Mayor John Street declared Monday, May 13 Philadelphia KiXX Day in the City of Philadelphia.

"On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, I would like to congratulate the KiXX for this hard-earned victory that brings honor to our city," Street said. "Indoor soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the area and the KiXX are an inspiration to the more than 400 indoor soccer teams in the Department of Recreation."

The Mayor made the declaration during an afternoon ceremony at City Hall. KiXX owner Jeffrey Rotwitt was joined by KiXX player/coach Omid Namazi and a number of other KiXX players as they showed off their trophy and thanked Mayor Street with an autographed soccer ball. KiXX goalkeeper Peter Pappas, who was also on hand, presented Mayor Street with his autographed bobblehead doll as well.

"We would like to thank the Mayor for everything he has done," Namazi said. "Like I have said, this was the hardest working group of players I have ever had and nobody else deserves this championship more than them."

The KiXX won the MISL Championship on Friday, May 3, when they defeated the two-time defending champion Milwaukee Wave, 8-6, to capture the best of three series two-games-to-one. Chris Handsor scored the game-winning goal with only 36.7 seconds left in the deciding game, capping off his hat-trick and earning series MVP honors.

Philadelphia finished the 2001-02 campaign with a franchise record 30 wins (30-14) and behind only Milwaukee in the regular-season standings. The KiXX began their championship victory tour with a visit to Villanova Stadium on Saturday, May 11, when they were honored by the WUSA's Philadelphia Charge for becoming the first championship team in Philadelphia this year.