Philadelphia Takes to the Road for Two Games this Weekend

Saturday, November 16, 2002

By David Deal
Philadelphia KiXX Correspondent

The 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League Champions, Philadelphia KiXX (8-3), defeated the Cleveland Force (4-4) 13-11 in front of 3,783 fans at the First Union Spectrum. KiXX Captain Kevin Sloan connected on the game-winning goal at 11:39 of the fourth quarter on an assist from Joe Scigliano. Sloan continues his hot foot, connecting on two goals for four points, recording 10 total points in his last three contests. Peter Pappas (7-2) earned the victory, recording nine saves on 14 shots, while Jim Larkin (4-4) took the loss for the Cleveland.

Philadelphia opened the scoring just 1:23 into the first quarter, as Kevin Sloan converted on a shoot-out, following a tripping penalty on Cleveland's D.J. Newsom. Don D'Ambra added to the KiXX lead as he rushed in on a break-away and beat Force Goalkeeper Jim Larkin for the first of his two goals of the game. The KiXX held the 4-0 advantage after one full period of play.

D'Ambra notched his second goal of the game just 15 seconds into the second quarter. Cleveland captain Hector Marinaro connected with Guiliano Oliviero for two goals to cut the KiXX lead to two, 6-4. Oliviero assisted on his third consecutive goal as Nevio Pizzolitto knotted the game at 6-6 with his first goal of the night. KiXX defender Pat Morris answered back with just over a second remaining in the half to put the KiXX back on top 8-6.

After the break, Philadelphia's Les Lunsford recorded the only goal of the third quarter as he netted a 3pt goal to put the KiXX up by five, 11-6.

In the final quarter, the Force stormed back as they tallied twice as Eric Kvello registered his first goal and Marinaro completed his hat-trick to knot the score at 11-11. Sloan placed a shot just inside the far post to give the KiXX the 13-11 victory.

Notes: The KiXX extended their home winning streak to six and remain undefeated at the First Union Spectrum this season. Philadelphia is 17-2 lifetime against Cleveland at home and have not lost to the Force at home in five consecutive contests.

This was the third meeting of the season between the KiXX and the Force. In their first meeting, October 13 at the First Union Spectrum in Philadelphia, the KiXX defeated the Force 13-5. Joel Shanker led all scorers with a hat-trick for six points in the contest. Then, last Saturday, November 9, the KiXX lost their first Eastern Conference game with a loss at Cleveland. Philadelphia fell victim to penalties, serving nearly 20 minutes throughout the game.

On November 20, 2002 the KiXX host the San Diego Sockers in their sixth annual School-Day game. The contest is the first of the two this season, and proves to be an educational field trip for area schools to enjoy themselves at an exciting, fast-paced soccer game, while participating in “Goals for Success: Read with the KiXX.” The second school date is February 26, 2003.

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