In a game full of lead changes (nine to be exact), the 2001-02 Major Indoor Soccer League Champion Philadelphia KiXX (20-6) were defeated by the San Diego Sockers (12-18) 16-12 in front of 2,696 fans at the San Diego Sports Arena. Paul Wright connected on the game-winning goal from Carlos Farias at 10:15 of the fourth quarter. Pappas (16-5) took the loss for Philadelphia, while Nick Vorberg improved to 7-12 with the victory.
San Diego’s Mariano Bollela started the scoring with a 2pg from Robbie Aristodemo under a minute (:45) gone in the first quarter, giving the Sockers a 2-0 advantage. Edgar Bartolomeu and Shawn Boney each connected on 3pg pushing the KiXX out in front 6-2. Socker forward Jimmy Wang brought the Sockers within one, 6-5, with a 2-point tally at 11:54. Philadelphia held the 6-5 lead after one full period of play.
In the second, San Diego stole the momentum and the lead on a Bollela’s second 2pg of the contest just under 30 seconds into the quarter. The 2-point strike gave the Sockers a 7-6 lead. San Diego controlled the majority of the quarter, but with 23 seconds remaining, Joe Scigliano snuck a 2pg past Vorberg to reclaim the lead, 8-6, for Philadelphia entering the half.
Mark Ughy in his first game with the Sockers made his presence known, connecting on a 2pg at 6:05 of the third, giving the lead once again to San Diego, 9-8. Philadelphia ended the third quarter trailing 9-8 to the Sockers.
KiXX captain Kevin Sloan returned the lead to Philadelphia, 10-9, with a 2-point strike past Vorberg at 4:05 of the fourth quarter. Boney added the assist for his fourth point of the game. Less than a minute later, 4:55, San Diego’s Farias connected on a 2pg, putting the Sockers up one, 11-10. KiXX player/coach Don D’Ambra put the KiXX back up one, 12-11, with a 2pg from Joel Shanker at 9:45 of the period. The lead did not stand long as Paul Wright connected on a pass from Farias a mere 30 seconds laters (10:15), giving San Diego a 13-12 advantage. With Pat Morris in net as sixth-attacker for the KiXX, Farias connected on an empty net 3pg at 14:10 to seal the 16-12 victory.
Notes: With the loss, the KiXX now post a 6-6 record when playing on the road.
Before returning home, the KiXX will square-off the Comets at Kemper Arena in Kansas City on Saturday, February 15. Philadelphia finally returns home Sunday, February 23 to entertain their cross-state rival Harrisburg Heat. The night is dubbed “Salute to Soccer” with a special presentation to area championship teams before the start of the contest. A silent auction with signed memorabilia will take place during the game. The Philadelphia Charge’s Lorrie Fair will kick out the ceremonial first ball.
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.
