Exhibition With Polish Premier League Team Scheduled
November 13, 2009 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Philadelphia KiXX News Release
Philadelphia (Friday, November 13, 2009) - The Philadelphia KiXX, a staple of Major Indoor Soccer League, will host Pogon Szczecin, a First Division Polish team, on Nov. 19 at Tri State Sports Complex in Aston, Pa. Kickoff for the international friendly is 7 p.m.
"This is an exciting opportunity for fans of two great teams to unite," said Greg Bajek, president of the Icon Group. "The KiXX are a premier indoor soccer team with a strong fan base, this match affords their fans a chance to watch their team in an international match against a high-level European side."
KiXX head coach Don D'Ambra shared similar excitement.
"We are excited to be playing a top flight soccer program in Pogon Szczecin," he said. "This will be a true test for our club, and it will unquestionably be a very entertaining match for all of the fans in attendance."
Pogon Szczecin, founded in 1948, boasts a loyal following a move from Lvov, Ukraine. The team calls Szczecin, a city located in northwest Poland, their home. The club earned promotion to the Poland's top flight "Ekstraklasa" after finishing second in the Western Group of the Polish Second League in 2008-09.
Several generations of Pogon loyalists have immigrated to the United States, with thousands settling in the Northeast Corridor. "This match is a perfect fit for both fan bases," Bajek said.
Pogon Szczecin currently sits in second place with 35 points behind leader Widzew Lodz (38 points) as the league heads into a three-month winter hiatus. Fans can expect a high-level of play from the Red and Blue, most notably from midfielder Olgierd Moskalewicz, midfielder Piotr Petasz, midfielder Maksymilian Rogalski, defender Krzysztof Hrymowicz, and goalkeeper Radoslaw Janukiewicz. Moskalewicz is the team's top scorer with eight goals.
"We'll be up against it playing the KiXX," Pogon Szczecin head coach Piotr Mandrysz said. "We're used to playing outdoors and the KiXX are an indoor team. But once the whistle blows, it's about entertaining the fans.
"I understand the indoor game is fast and stresses finesse. It reminds me of ice hockey, where players change on the fly. It'll be a great challenge, we're looking for a great night of indoor soccer," he added.
The Tri State facility, located at 63 Concord Road in Aston, is easily accessible from Interstate 95. There will be a limited number of seats available. Fans are asked to contact the Philadelphia KiXX at 888 888-5499 (KIXX) for further information.
The Icon Group, a multi-faceted soccer organization based in New Jersey, is no stranger to hosting international matches. In the last 15 years, Icon has hosted 10 international indoor and outdoor matches throughout the United States. Bajek's teams have toured Europe extensively to showcase young American talent and foster international ties within the soccer community.
"Philadelphia is an elite soccer town and this is a great opportunity for fans to witness one of Europe's top up and coming teams," Bajek said. "This match wets the appetite of the Philadelphia soccer fans as the KiXX approach their 14th season in the Major Indoor Soccer League."
Space for this match is very limited, and the price of tickets is $20 each.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from November 13, 2009
- Newcomer Brisson nets game-winner in 2009-10 MISL opener - Rockford Rampage
- Newcomer Brisson nets game-winner in 2009-10 MISL opener - Rockford Rampage
- Exhibition With Polish Premier League Team Scheduled - Philadelphia KiXX
- Former Mvp Adauto Neto Signs With KiXX - Philadelphia KiXX
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