KiXX stay within playoff reach in Peter Pappas' first game back
February 23, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Philadelphia KiXX News Release
Philadelphia, PA - The defending MISL Champion Philadelphia KiXX (11-13) defeated the California Cougars (8-13) 19-15 in front of 6,474 fans at the Wachovia Spectrum. Peter Pappas returned from an eye injury to snap the KiXX two-game losing streak and keep the KiXX within a half game of the final playoff spot with six games left. Player/coach Don D'Ambra became just the 10th coach in MISL history to record 100 career wins. Jonathan Steele led the offense with a hat trick, including a three-point goal and Tony Donatelli pitched in two as the KiXX scored 15 points in the second half after being down 10-4 at halftime. The game featured the KiXX first ever Dollar Dog Night and 7th Annual Children's Miracle Network Auction.
KiXX rookie Ryan Heins opened the game up with his fourth goal of the season, assisted by D'Ambra who leads the club with 18 assists. The Cougars answered with back-to-back three-point goals from Evan McNeley and Nelson Santana.
Jonathan Steele's fifth of season brought the KiXX to within two points. D'Ambra recorded his second assist of the night on the goal. Philadelphia was assessed a bench minor for too many men on the field 6:25 into the second quarter, and the Cougars capitalized just 14 seconds later on Semir Mesanovic's 15th of the season. Player/coach Bernie Lilavois assisted the goal. Lilavois was added to the Cougars active roster on Friday, November 22, after coaching the team for the first 20 games of the season. Lilavois played for and coached the team last season, and retired from playing at the beginning of this season before deciding to come back to help the Cougars who are riddled with injuries. With only 32 seconds remaining in the half, Santana scored a two-pointer to give California a 10-4 lead heading into the locker room.
John Barry Nusum buried his first three-pointer of the season with 4:06 remaining in the third quarter to bring Philly with three points. Santana answered with another three-pointer to space the Cougars lead, 13-7.
Steele would lead the KiXX comeback charge with back-to-back goals, the second a three-pointer assisted by Chris Williams, to bring Philadelphia to within one point. Tony Donatelli gave the KiXX their first lead of the game, and then scored a shorthanded goal with Aaron Susi in the box to give the KiXX a 16-13 lead. The scoring continued when Enrique Tovar capitalized on his Cougar-leading 18th goal of the season with Susi in the box again for holding. With a 6th attacker on for California, the KiXX defense held strong behind phenomenal saves from keeper Peter Pappas, who got help from Wendell Regis when a ball passed Pappas and Regis stuck his foot out to stop it before the ball crossed the goal line. Ptah Myers finished the Cougars off with an empty net goal with nine seconds remaining.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 23, 2008
- Storm held in check by Blast - Chicago Storm
- Cougars battle, but lose 19-15 in Philadelphia - California Cougars
- KiXX stay within playoff reach in Peter Pappas' first game back - Philadelphia KiXX
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