Streaking Philadelphia Beat Comets

Saturday, January 25, 2003

By David Deal
Public and Media Relations Manager

The 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League Champions, Philadelphia KiXX (18-4), defeated the Kansas City Comets (11-12) 13-8 in front of 6,231 fans at the First Union Spectrum. The crowd was the largest for Philadelphia this season. Joel Shanker recorded the game-winner from Chris Handsor at 8:16 of the fourth quarter. Peter Pappas (14-3) earned the victory for Philadelphia, recording 14 saves on 18 shots, while Wes Wade (0-2) took the loss for the Comets, stopping 17 of the 22 shots he faced.

Kansas City defender Nicola Corneli tapped a pass from Brian Soell past Pappas to opened the scoring just 1:10 into the first quarter. Both teams tightened up defensively as neither could find an opening, thus the Comets carried the 2-0 lead into the second period.

KiXX’ Pat Morris connected with Gary DePalma to knot the game at 2-2, early in the second quarter. With just over three-minutes remaining in the quarter, the Comets’ Nino DaSilva put Kansas City back on top 4-2 heading into halftime.

Philadelphia stormed out after the break as DePalma, Handsor, and Shanker each registered a goal to give the KiXX an 8-4 lead after three full quarters of play.

In the final quarter, last year’s League MVP Dino Delevski took a pass from DaSilva to bring Kansas City within two, 8-6 at 1:18. Then, defender Jeff Davis put a shot off the back of Pappas to tie the game at 8-8 less than 30 seconds later. Following a tripping penalty by Kansas City goalkeeper Paolo Ceccarelli, the KiXX converted on the power-play as Shanker registered his second goal of the game, a three-pointer, to put the KiXX up 11-8. Philadelphia defender Shawn Boney added a goal just 40 seconds later to seal the 13-8 victory for the KiXX.

Notes: Philadelphia remains unbeaten at home with 13 consecutive wins. Shanker recorded two goals to extend his point streak to a KiXX season-high 16 games. Assistant Sam Lee assumed the role of head coach tonight, with Don D’Ambra serving a one-game suspension. It was his first official win as a head coach.

After this weekend, the KiXX take to the road for a two-game stint against Eastern Conference opponents. First, on Friday, January 31 the KiXX end the month of January in Baltimore on January 31, where they will battle the Blast at the 1st Mariner Arena. Game-time is set for 7:35 and will air live on CN8. Then, on February 1, the KiXX square-off against the Heat at the PA State Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:35 pm.

Philadelphia returns home on February 8 to entertain the Dallas Sidekicks at the First Union Spectrum. Dallas Player/Coach Tatu makes his last trip to the City of Brotherly Love, after announcing his retirement prior to the start of the 2002-03 season. The night is dubbed “College Night” with all students with a college ID receiving a special $15.00 discounted ticket. With the tickets, all fans of age can go to Top Dog Sports Bar, Grill, and Dance Club in Philadelphia free of cover. Also, the first 3,000 fans 14 and under as well as all season ticketholders will receive a Kevin Sloan bobblehead doll.

For more information or to purchase tickets for any upcoming KiXX game, contact the KiXX Executive Office at 1-888-888-KiXX. Fans can also visit us on the web at www.kixxonline.com.