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| Event Spotlight: Philadelphia Takes to the Road for Two Games this Weekend KiXX Travel to Baltimore to Face the Blast on Friday, Then Meet the Force in Cleveland on Saturday Wednesday, November 6, 2002 By David Deal
For the third consecutive weekend, the 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Champions, Philadelphia KiXX, compete in two games in as many days. Coming into this weekend, the KiXX post a 1-1 record in the first game of the back-to-back series, and a 2-0 record in the second game of the set. On Friday, November 8, the KiXX travel south to Baltimore to meet the hosting Blast at the 1st Mariner Bank Arena. The contest is scheduled to kick-off at 7:35 pm. Philadelphia then loads up for the plane ride to Cleveland, where they face the Force at The Convocation Center at CSU on Saturday, November 9 at 8:05 pm. Philadelphia enters the weekend atop the Eastern Conference with a 6-2 record and comfortable two-game lead over the Force and Heat and a three and a half game lead over the Blast. Last weekend, the KiXX swept their two contests, both of which were Eastern Conference opponents. On Saturday, November 2, the KiXX welcomed the visiting Baltimore Blast to the First Union Spectrum. Philadelphia exploded offensively scoring 11 of their total 17 points in the second quarter to defeat the Blast 17-10. The victory kept the KiXX perfect at home this season, 5-0. On Sunday, November 3, the KiXX traveled across state to meet the Harrisburg Heat at the State Farm Show Arena. The contest was a defensive battle throughout with four quarters passed and no winner determined. In the end, however, it took just eight seconds of overtime, before Don D’Ambra took a long pass from Goalkeeper Peter Pappas and knocked it in for the game-winning goal. The KiXX defeated the Heat 6-4 in overtime to improve to 6-2 on the season. Pappas was in the net for both contests, recording both victories and improving to 5-2 on the season. For his play during the seven-day period ending November 3, he was named the MISL Defensive Player of the Week. In that span, Pappas posted a 2-0 record, recording 22 saves on 29 shots faced for an impressive 6.92 points against average. He also tallied three assists, two of which were the game-winners, in the two contests. The KiXX travel to Baltimore on Friday, November 8, looking for their second victory this season over the Blast, after earning the 17-10 victory at the First Union Spectrum on November 2. Entering the contest, the Blast are ranked 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 2-5 record. Overall, in the seven-year existence of the KiXX, Philadelphia holds a 25-18 record against Baltimore. Cleveland enters the weekend with a .500 record (3-3), holding second place in the Eastern Conference. In their first meeting this season, October 13, the KiXX defeated the Force 13-5, thanks largely due to a six-point performance from forward Joel Shanker. Shanker recorded a hat-trick with three 2pt goals against Cleveland. Also, in the contest, Don D’Ambra connected on two goals, accumulating over 700 points in his career. Overall, the KiXX hold a 22-11 record when facing the Force. This season, the KiXX have witnessed several players achieving career milestones. Below is a list of the milestones achieved thus far and the milestones approaching. Current streaks are also listed below.
On Saturday, November 16, 2002 the KiXX return home to meet the Cleveland Force at the First Union Spectrum. The contest is set to kick-off at 7:05 pm. Four days later, November 20, the KiXX host the San Diego Sockers in their sixth annual School-Day Game. The game is scheduled for 10:35 am. For more information or to purchase tickets to either contest, contact the KiXX Office at 1-888-888-KiXX. |
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