KiXX Need Overtime to Defeat Harrisburg 6-4

Sunday, November 3, 2002

By David Deal
Philadelphia KiXX Correspondent

The 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League Champions, Philadelphia KiXX (6-2), defeated the Harrisburg Heat (3-3) 6-4 in overtime in front of 2, 374 fans at the State Farm Show Arena. Don D'Ambra connected on the game-winning goal in overtime, on an assist from goalkeeper Peter Pappas. Pappas (5-2) earned the victory for the KiXX, while Raul Salas (0-2) took the loss for Harrisburg.

In the first quarter, neither team could muster a legitimate scoring opportunity, failing to convert in the opening six minutes. Philadelphia's Gary DePalma finally opened the scoring, connecting on a 2pt goal from teammate Goran Vasic at 8:53 in the first. Despite several Heat attempts, that's how it would end, Philadelphia leading Harrisburg 2-0 after one full quarter of play.

Genoni Martinez converted on a 2pt goal from Marco Coria at 2:45 of the second period, evening the score at 2-2. Joe Scigliano connected on an assist from Joel Shanker at 9:58 of the second, giving the KiXX the 4-2 lead. The goal was converted off of three rapid fire KiXX shots from Shanker, Scigliano and Don D'Ambra. The two second quarter points is the complete opposite of last night's output. Against the Baltimore Blast last night, the KiXX exploded for 11 points. At the end of the half, the KiXX held the 4-2 lead.

In the third quarter, neither team managed to get on the scoreboard, marking the first time this season the KiXX failed to score a single point in the third quarter and the third time this season the KiXX have held their opponent scoreless in the third. The zero points scored in the third marks only the second time this season Philadelphia has been held scoreless in an entire quarter. They were also held without a point in the entire first half at Milwaukee; where they went on to lose 19-5.

Heat forward Renato Pereira finally broke the drought, connecting on a 2pt goal from Ato Leone at 5:25 of the fourth quarter, notching the score at 4-4. Just over a minute later, Martinez was called for tripping KiXX midfielder Gary DePalma, giving Philadelphia the one-man advantage. The KiXX failed to convert on the two-minute power play. Then at 12:52, the Heat got a two-minute power play of their own, thanks to a tripping call on KiXX defender Pat Morris. The Philadelphia defense prevailed, however, shutting down the Heat's one-man advantage. After the power play, neither team managed a scoring threat, forcing the second overtime for the KiXX this season. The KiXX were also forced into overtime against the Dallas Sidekicks on October 19; the KiXX prevailed 10-8 in the first overtime period.

Only eight seconds into the overtime, D'Ambra sent a header into the Heat goal for the 6-4 victory. Pappas added the assist on the game-winning goal.

Notes: The victory is the first for the KiXX on the road this season. D'Ambra recorded his third game-winning goal of the season. With his second quarter assist, Shanker added to his team-leading point total; he now has 18 overall. The KiXX played in their second set of back-to-back games this season. Philadelphia is 1-1 in the first game of the back-to-back series, and is now 2-0 in the second game of the set.

This is the second meeting between the KiXX and the Blast this season. In their first meeting, back on October 5, the KiXX were opening up their home schedule and coming off a last second loss to the Dallas Sidekicks. In the contest, the KiXX defeated the Heat 11-10 on a game-winning 3pt goal from Don D'Ambra. David Bascome recorded four of the five Heat goals in the contest.

The KiXX are on the road next weekend, playing in Baltimore on Friday, November 8 at the 1st Mariner Bank Arena, then make the trip to Cleveland Saturday, November 9 to meet the Force. Friday's contest is set to kick-off at 7:35 pm at the 1st Mariner Bank Arena, while Saturday's is scheduled for 7:05 pm at the Convocation Center at CSU. The KiXX finally return to the First Union Spectrum Saturday, November 16, 2002 in a rematch with the Cleveland Force. 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.