Neto, Morris Receive Player Of The Month Accolades
March 4, 2010 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Philadelphia KiXX News Release
Philadelphia (Thursday, March 4, 2010) - Today marks a busy news day for the Philadelphia KiXX, with the team being notified by the Major Indoor Soccer League that forward Adauto Neto has been named Offensive Player of the Month with defender Pat Morris receiving Defensive Player of the Month accolades. The KiXX also made official today that it has traded striker Leo Gibson to the Rockford Rampage for a first round draft pick, and Philadelphia has also claimed off waivers the contracts of forward Gary Brooks, defender Tijani Ayegbusi and forward Semir Mesanovic.
"I am happy to see that Pat and Neto have been recognized for their strong efforts and performances this past month," KiXX head coach Don D'Ambra said of the award winning duo. "They have exemplified good leadership and have made some big plays when they were most needed. These awards are well deserved by both players."
The star of Neto continues to shine bright in the City of Brotherly Love, with the 2006 MISL MVP having one of the best seasons of his illustrious career. The Brazilian striker moved into the league lead in points with 46 after closing out February with a six-point performance against the Baltimore Blast this past Sunday. His 15 goals are the most in the league, and his 15 assists are also the best mark in the MISL. For the month, Neto tallied 18 points in only four games (4.5 points/game), scoring six goals and six assists with his lowest point total in the month still being a multi-point effort with three points.
In three February games, Morris tallied eight points on four goals. He blocked seven shots during those three contests while anchoring the Philadelphia defense, and his two-point goal against Milwaukee on February 21st put the Philadelphia native over 450 points for his career. Morris, who was also named the MISL Defender of the Month in January, ranks second on the KiXX and is tied for sixth in the league with 33 points while leading the league with 26 blocks.
KiXX Trade Leo Gibson to Rockford Rampage; Add Three Players
Currently sitting on a 5-8 record, Philadelphia is entering a critical weekend that sees the team face the Baltimore Blast (8-7) on Friday at 1st Mariner Arena before returning to The Liacouras Center on Sunday to host La RaZa de Monterrey at 4:05 p.m. Looking to bolster his roster, D'Ambra picked up forward Gary Brooks, defender Tijani Ayegbusi and forward Semir Mesanovic for the weekend pair after the trio was released by the Rockford Rampage this past week.
Brooks, who began his indoor career with the KiXX in 2004, had recorded five goals and an assist for 11 points in 11 games this season with the Rampage.
"Gary Brooks is a very strong and explosive forward who creates a lot of offensive opportunities through his athleticism and energy," D'Ambra stated. "I feel that Gary has become a smarter indoor player the past couple years, and he has a much better understanding of the game. He will be an asset to our team."
Ayegbusi, who is an extremely hard-nosed defender, led the Rockford back line this year with 21 blocks in 16 matches and was fifth overall in the MISL in that category.
"Tijani Ayegbusi is a big, strong and aggressive defender who will make an impact in the back for us," D'Ambra remarked. "He plays hard and will relentlessly battle opposing forwards. He will enhance our back line by bringing a physical presence that we have been lacking."
Mesanovic is a crafty forward who will bring additional scoring to a high-powered Philadelphia attack, and he ranked second on the Rampage roster with 28 points on 10 goals (two three-pointers) and six assists in 16 games.
"Semir Mesanovic is a forward who is a very dangerous scoring threat," D'Ambra said. "He is aggressive to score goals and is capable of scoring from long range. Semir will also be an asset on special team plays such as restarts and power plays. He is having one of his best seasons and will give us more versatility in the offensive end."
The new-look KiXX return home this Sunday to host Boy Scout and Girl Scout Day. Tickets for that match are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX or by visiting www.ComcastTix.com.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from March 4, 2010
- Rampage Trade For KiXX's Gibson - Rockford Rampage
- A Mascot's New Look - Milwaukee Wave
- Wave Preview - Milwaukee Wave
- Neto, Morris Receive Player Of The Month Accolades - Philadelphia KiXX
- February MISL Players Of The Month Unveiled - MISL
- Vorberg MISL Player Of The Month - Milwaukee Wave
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