Shanker Leads KiXX Over Cleveland 13-5

Monday, October 14, 2002

By David Deal
Philadelphia KiXX Correspondent

The 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League Champion Philadelphia KiXX (2-1) defeated conference rival Cleveland Force (1-2) 13-5 in front of 3,326 fans at the First Union Spectrum. For the second consecutive game, KiXX forward Don D'Ambra scored the game-winning goal. Gary DePalma recorded the assist. Peter Pappas (2-1) earned the victory and recorded eight saves, while Jim Larkin (1-2) took the loss for Cleveland.

The KiXX opened the scoring just 2:00 into the game, when Joel Shanker connected on a two-point goal. Force captain Hector Marinaro responded with a three-point goal as he lobbed a shot over outstretched KiXX goalkeeper Peter Pappas.

Philadelphia recorded the only goal of the second quarter as Shanker tallied his second goal of the half at :31 seconds. The KiXX carried a 4-3 lead in halftime.

After the break, the KiXX extended their lead to 8-3, as Don D'Ambra recorded two 2pt goals in the third quarter. The 8-3 lead held entering the final period of play.

In the fourth, Shanker completed his hat-trick and Les Lunsford tallied a two-point goal to extend their lead to 10, 13-3. With the aide of a sixth-attacker, Cleveland's Steve Butcher scored with under a minute remaining in the game The goal proved not enough as the KiXX defeated the Force 13-5.

"We played a strong 60 minutes tonight. We capitalized on our chances with good movement and passing," stated KiXX Head Coach Omid Namazi.

Philadelphia's Don D'Ambra recorded his 700th career goal tonight and Joel Shanker recorded his 100th goal as a member of the KiXX. Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb kicked out the first ball and tossed several passes to fans at halftime of tonight's game. McNabb was present as part of a co-promotion with the KiXX for his foundation for diabetes awareness.

The KiXX are back in action next Saturday, October 19, 2002 against the Dallas Sidekicks at the First Union Spectrum. The contest is set to kick-off at 7:05 pm.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact the KiXX office at 1-888-888-KIXX or visit us at www.kixxonline.com.