KiXX Secure Playoff Berth in Win Over Dallas

Saturday, February 8, 2003

By David Deal
Public and Media Relations Manager

The 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League Champion Philadelphia KiXX (20-5) defeated the Dallas Sidekicks (7-20) 22-2 in front of 6,680 fans at the First Union Spectrum. With the win, the KiXX clinched a spot in the 2003 MISL Playoffs. Pat Morris recorded the game-winner from Peter Pappas at 6:20 of the first quarter. Pappas (16-4) earned the victory for Philadelphia, recording 14 saves on 15 shots, while Jesse Llamas (1-1) took the loss for the Sidekicks, stopping 10 of the 20 shots he faced.

Philadelphia controlled the first quarter, scoring the only three goals. Player/Coach Don D’Ambra opened the scoring less then four minutes into the game, ripping a 2-point shot over Llamas. Pat Morris extended the lead to 4-0, as he took a pass from Pappas and snuck the tally into the open side of the net. Forward Joel Shanker closed out the scoring in the quarter, squeezing a shot just under the crossbar to give the KiXX a 6-0 lead.

The offensive explosion of the KiXX continued in the second quarter. Joe Scigliano and Shanker each tallied a 2pg in a two-minute span to put Philadelphia up by ten, 10-0. Forward Chris Handsor connected with Pappas to extend Philadelphia’s lead to 12-0. Morris then closed out the scoring, taking a pass off the boards and connecting on a 2-point strike. The KiXX took the 14-0 lead into the half. The 14-point performance was the highest output by Philadelphia in a half this season.

The outburst continued in the third when KiXX captain Kevin Sloan converted on a shoot-out opportunity and D’Ambra notched his second goal of the game to put Philadelphia up by 18, 18-0, heading into the fourth quarter.

D’Ambra completed his hat-trick with a goal less then a minute (:47) into the final quarter of play. Sloan converted on his second shoot-out opportunity of the game and also joined an elite club as he became only the 12th player in MISL history to record 1,000 points. Dallas finally got on the board as forward Patrick Shamu knocked a shot past Pappas. Both teams tightened up defensively as the KiXX closed out the 22-2 victory.

Notes: Philadelphia remains unbeaten at home with 14 consecutive wins. Pappas equaled his season-high for assists with two. Tonight was the largest margin of victory, 22-2, in franchise history. This was the largest offensive output and the fewest points allowed this season. Player/Coach D’Ambra recorded his 200th 2-point goal as a member of the KiXX.

Philadelphia returns to action on Thursday, February 13, with their first trip out west to San Diego to battle the Sockers. Game-time is set for 10:05 pm ET at the San Diego Sports Arena. Before returning home, the KiXX also square-off the Comets in Kansas City on Saturday, February 15. Philadelphia returns home Sunday, February 23 to entertain their cross-state rival Harrisburg Heat.

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.