Pappas To Miss All-Star Competition
February 24, 2004 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Philadelphia KiXX News Release
Philadelphia, PA, February 24, 2004 â Philadelphia KiXX Executive Vice President/General Manager Greg Bibb announced today that veteran goalkeeper Peter Pappas will not participate in the 2004 Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) All-Star Game due to injury. Pappas, who has been hampered with an ankle injury in recent weeks, suffered a fracture in his right hand during the club's February 22 game versus the Milwaukee Wave. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally selected to the League's International team in a vote by a panel of MISL front-office personnel and media members.
"Peter is a consummate professional and ultimate competitor and he is extremely disappointed that he will not be able to participate in this year's All-Star contest," stated Bibb. "At this point, however, the injury he sustained on February 22 makes it virtually impossible for him to compete in Sunday's All-Star Game. The KiXX share in Peter's disappointment regarding this chain of events; however, his health and ability to compete in the final 10 games of the 2003-04 season remain our priorities."
Pappas, a seven-time All-Star, had previously started in four consecutive All-Star Games and was favored to edge out injury-replacement Jim Larkin between the posts for MISL International this season; Larkin was the first alternate keeper for Team International and replaced Dallas netminder Sagu, who has also withdrawn due to injury.
The 31-year old goalkeeper currently owns a 15-7 overall record and ranks first in the League in saves (335) and save percentage (.774), second in wins, third in goals against average (4.46) and fourth with 1318 minutes played. Earlier this season, Pappas posted the first shutout in modern-day MISL history with a 5-0 decision versus the San Diego Sockers on January 17. For his play this season, the Philadelphia University graduate has received a MISL-high five MISL Goalkeeper of the Week honors (seven day periods ending October 5, October 12, January 18, February 1 and February 8) and two Goalkeeper of the Month accolades for his play throughout the month of October and January.
The 2004 MISL All-Star Weekend will encompass three days of festivities designed to celebrate the past, present, and future of indoor soccer. Included in the celebration will be the SPALDING All-Star Youth Skills Competition, the MISL All-Star Skills Challenge, the famous MISL Autograph Alley, and The Commissioner's Gala: A Celebration of Excellence. The All-Star extravaganza will culminate on Sunday, February 29, with the League's showcase event, the 2004 All-Star Game, at 1:05 p.m. CST, followed by a Legends Game featuring a galaxy of former indoor greats in an MISL Legends versus St. Louis Steamers Legends format.
In other team news, the Philadelphia KiXX placed forward Nikola Vignjevic on waivers today. The native of Belgrade, Yugoslavia appeared in his 200th career game versus the Baltimore Blast on November 11 and connected on his first point with Philadelphia with an assist versus the St. Louis Steamers on November 14. The seven-year veteran had recorded eight points on one goal and seven assists in 17 appearances this season.
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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 24, 2004
- MISL Amateur Draft on tap for February 27 - MISL 2
- Wave getting ready for MISL All-Star weekend - Milwaukee Wave
- Monterrey's Mireles added to MISL international team - MISL 2
- Keough Award winners Twellman, Chalupny to be recognized at February 28 âCelebration of Excellenceâ - St. Louis Steamers
- Pappas To Miss All-Star Competition - Philadelphia KiXX
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