KiXX Overcome Deficit to Beat Dallas 10-7

Sunday, January 5, 2003

By David W. Unkle
SJSports Staff Writer
dunkle@sjsports.com

Nick Stavrou's goal with 29 second left in the first half loomed large; it gave the Dallas Sidekicks (6-15) a 5-2 lead in a game that was controlled early by the visitors.

The Philadelphia KiXX (15-3) and Joel Shanker though had other intentions; a re-start goal with 12 seconds left in the half brought the KiXX back to within one goal at 5-4.

We've been staying after practice and working on re-starts as a team and it's paid off, said Shanker. We use it a lot and that is not the only option on that play.

It was a set play at the top of the box, one that we go over all the time...we have all four guys moving and I got open underneath the goal. Goran (Vasic) put in the perfect pass and I slipped it in.

The goal was devastating for the Sidekicks who controlled the tempo of the game for much of the first half and seemed to awaken the defending champions.

That is a designed play that we have...we try to bring the defender out with two guys on that side, said Morris. On that play, he didn't realize that Joel came from the other side...the defender is keeping his eyes on me and Don (D'Ambra)...Goran slid it right back; it was a great ball and Joel finished it.

Brad Flanagan deflated the KiXX with a two-point goal just 11 seconds into the third quarter but two fourth quarter goals by Pat Morris and an empty-netter by Edgar Bartolomeu gave the KiXX as 10-7 win in front of 4,134 fans at the First Union Spectrum.

Dallas always plays us tough and we were lucky tonight, said Morris. Even though their goalie played well, we didn't play our game.

Overall, we had a good defensive game...we had a couple of lapses where we were flat...guys weren't sharp with their decision making and (Dallas) capitalized on it, said Head coach Don D'Ambra.

NOTES:

The KiXX remain perfect at home with an 11-0 record this season. The KiXX improve to 7-1 when the opposition scores first. The KiXX hold a 10-2 record when out-shooting their opponents.

The KiXX return home on January 19, 2003 when they face the Harrisburg Heat at the First Union Spectrum. Kick-off is set for 7:05 pm. For ticket information, visit the KiXX website at www.kixxonline.com or call at the KiXX office at 1-888-888-KiXX. Family Packs (4 seats, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas) are available for just $59.00.

Be sure to tune in to Inside the KiXX on The Topcat Sports Show Sundays 4:30-6:00 PM and Tuesdays 4:30-6:00 PM on Philadelphia's Renaissance Radio Station, WNJC1360-AM for your chance to win tickets to an upcoming Philadelphia KiXX game. The studio phone lines are 856.227.1360 and 856.232.7077.