KiXX closes out tenure at Wachovia Spectrum versus Massachusetts on Sunday
March 18, 2009 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Philadelphia KiXX News Release
Philadelphia, PA, March 18, 2009 - The Philadelphia KiXX close out the 2008-09 National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) regular season and the team's tenure at the Wachovia Spectrum versus the Massachusetts Twisters on Sunday, March 22. The Spectrum, the team's home for all 13-years of its existence, is scheduled to be razed sometime after the season to make way for an entertainment complex; the KiXX are currently in negotiations with a Philadelphia arena for next season and beyond. "Fan Appreciation Day" is scheduled to kick-off at 4:05 pm ET and features special promotions and prizes distributed throughout the course of the contest. The contest will also be available live via webcast at www.WMSSFM.com.
This Week's Itinerary:
Thursday, March 19, Practice, Tri-State Sports, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Friday, March 20, Practice, Tri-State Sports, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, March 21, Off Day
Sunday, March 22, KiXX vs. Massachusetts Twisters, Wachovia Spectrum, 4:05 pm
Monday, March 23, Off Day
Tuesday, March 24, Practice, Tri-State Sports, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday, March 25, Practice, Tri-State Sports, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
*all times are Eastern and subject to change
University of Penn Health Systems Injury Report: Player Injury Status
Don D'Ambra Foot Questionable
Matthew Maher Knee Out-Season
Hewerton Moreira Knee Out-Season
Meet the Opponent: Massachusetts Twisters
2008-09 Series: 4-0 (home 2-0, away 2-0)
Overall: 4-0 (home 2-0, away 2-0)
Sunday's contest will be the fifth and final meeting between the KiXX and Massachusetts this season. The KiXX earned the victory in each of the previous four meetings, outscoring the Twisters 105-30 over that span, including a 34-11 in the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) opener on November 15. Forward Neil Krause was credited with the first goal in League history, but Cape May Court House native Anthony Maher stole the show, registering a game-best nine points on the evening. The KiXX then earned an 18-7 win on the team's first trip to the Eastern States Coliseum on December 13, courtesy of eight points apiece from Maher and Hewerton Moreira. Midfielder Ptah Myers knocked-in a game-high eight points en route to a 28-6 Philadelphia win on January 10, followed by an 11-point offensive outburst from teammate Ricardinho in the 25-6 victory on February 7.
Last Week's Outings:
PHI 11, BAL 6 (3/14/09) - Philadelphia kept their playoff hopes alive with an 11-6 win versus the top-seeded Baltimore Blast. Defender Billy Nelson had the only score late in the first quarter, putting the visiting Baltimore Blast on top, 2-0, at 11:33. Angel Rivillo scored a two-point goal, assisted by Philadelphia native Pat Morris to knot the two clubs, 2-2, at 8:08 of the second frame. Joe Di Buono wasted little time to score his first goal of the season, unassisted, only 44 seconds into the third period, to give the KiXX their first lead of the evening, 4-2. Philadelphia closed the period scoring and extended their advantage, 6-2, at 12:25 on a swing pass from Ptah Myers to hit John Barry Nusum in the center. Philadelphia's surge continued into the fourth quarter as Anthony Maher assisted newcomer Jeremy Ortiz on a two-point goal, 8-2, at 4:20. Morris buried a three-point score with just under five minutes remaining on Baltimore's sixth-man attacker, 11-2. Baltimore's Garcia and Celenza responded with two consecutive two-point goals at the end of the fourth, but not enough for them to overturn the Philadelphia lead, 11-6.
Playoff Scenarios: With the team's victory versus Baltimore on March 14, Philadelphia has two potential scenarios to qualify for postseason play. The KiXX can clinch a berth if the visiting Monterrey La RaZa defeat the Rockford Rampage on March 22. However, if Rockford earns the victory, then the club needs the Blast to also knock-off the La RaZa in the League's finale on March 29 to qualify for the playoffs. Both scenarios require Philadelphia to earn a victory versus the Massachusetts Twisters in the team's final home game of the season on Sunday, March 22.
All Good Things Must End: The club's season finale versus the Massachusetts Twisters on March 22 marks the end of an era. Following the conclusion of the current NISL season and the AHL season for the Philadelphia Phantoms, Comcast Spectacor will close the doors of the historic Wachovia Spectrum. The Spectrum will be razed and make way for Philly Live, an entertainment complex that includes a hotel. The team has called the Spectrum home for it's entire 13-year tenure and is currently in negotiations with an arena in Philadelphia for next season and beyond. Stay tuned for more details.
Streaming Online: The Philadelphia KiXX streamed several games this season live via webcast at www.WMSSFM.com, with the schedule concluding with the season finale versus the Massachusetts Twisters on Sunday, March 22. The link is also available at www.pennlive.com and from the team's official website, www.kixxonline.com. Veteran play-by-play man John Wilsbach provides the call for each contest. The KiXX currently post a 4-2 record in games heard via online this season.
Still Going ...: KiXX midfielder Ptah Myers is well on his way to becoming Philadelphia's Ironman. The Columbus, OH native has now appeared in 114 consecutive contests including playoffs (108 regular-season and six playoffs). The UMASS product has played in every game each of the last three seasons and last missed an outing when he did not participate in the team's contest versus the Milwaukee Wave on February 9, 2005. Scott Henderson holds the team's all-time mark with 147 consecutive outings.
Registration Open for Summer Camps: Online registration for the 2009 Philadelphia KiXX Summer Kamp program is now available. The summer camp program, which opens in mid-June and runs through late August, is designed for boys and girls (ages four to 14) with approximately 45 locations offered throughout the Tri-State area. The online registration webpage can be accessed by clicking on the Camps menu option located on the top bar of the team's official website, www.kixxonline.com.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from March 18, 2009
- KiXX closes out tenure at Wachovia Spectrum versus Massachusetts on Sunday - Philadelphia KiXX
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