MISL names players of the week
Published on December 5, 2005 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2) News Release
GOALKEEPER OF THE WEEK
Peter Pappas, Philadelphia KiXX
Peter Pappas, the two-time defending MISL Goalkeeper of the Year, is no stranger to this honor. In fact he's won it 23 times, including six awards in 2004-05, but this is his first for 2005-06. Pappas is one of two original team members still playing for the KiXX (player-coach Don D'Ambra). The 10th year Philadelphia goalkeeper had his best outing of the young season on Saturday, stopping 12 of 17 California shots, in a 10-5 win before 5,178 fans at the Wachovia Spectrum. The victory evened the records of both the KiXX and Pappas at 2-2. In Saturday's win, the KiXX and Cougars went into the fourth quarter tied 4-4. From there Pappas and the defense stiffened, yielding one goal on five shots, and the KiXX offense flourished with a six-goal outburst. This season, the seven-time all-League pick and seven-time All-Star selection is tied for second in saves (52), third in save percentage (.703), tied for third in wins (2), and fourth in goals against average (5.59). The 33-year-old native of Toronto, Ontario, surpassed the 4,000 saves and 300 games milestones in the midst of the 2004-05 season.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
P.J. Wakefield, Baltimore Blast
P.J. Wakefield has been a difference-maker in the League since winning the MISL Rookie of the Year award following the 2002-03 season. Primarily a forward in his early years, Wakefield has more recently become a central figure along Baltimore's revamped backline. On Saturday, he combined those offensive and defensive talents, when Baltimore snapped a three-game losing streak against Chicago by defeating the Storm, 6-3, before 8,028 fans at 1st Mariner Arena. Despite his position as a defender, Wakefield led all scorers with one goal and three assists, as six different players scored goals for Baltimore. They were the first points of the season for Wakefield, who also has four blocks through four games. The win kept the Blast (3-1) in sole possession of second-place in the MISL standings, trailing only the Milwaukee Wave (5-0). Wakefield, who celebrates his 25th birthday today (Dec. 5), is a native of Baltimore.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Elvir Kafedzic, St. Louis Steamers
As recently as Saturday, Elvir Kafedzic was a virtual unknown in the MISL. Sunday's performance likely changed that. The 22-year-old midfielder and the Steamers first pick in February's 2005 College Draft, came through with three consecutive goals, including the game-winner, in the midst of the St. Louis' 8-1 victory over the California Cougars on Sunday night. The win evened St. Louis' record at 2-2. For the native of Bosnia, who played in three games for the Steamers in 2004-05, and has played in three games this season. The three goals were the first of his MISL career, the points were the first of his career, and obviously, the hat trick was also an MISL-first for Kafedzic. He also became the first Steamers player to score three goals in a game this season. Following the action at Savvis Center, Kafedzic was presented with a "game ball" by Steamers CEO and Owner Michael Hetelson. Prior to being drafted by the Steamers, Kafedzic led Lindenwood University to the NAIA National Championship in 2004.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from December 5, 2005
- Elvir Kafedzic Named Offensive Player of the Week - St. Louis Steamers
- Blast Improves to 3-1 after 6-3 win over Chicago - Baltimore Blast
- KiXX embark on first back-to-back weekend - Philadelphia KiXX
- Peter Pappas Named MISL Goalkeeper of the Week - Philadelphia KiXX
- MISL names players of the week - MISL 2
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