2001-02 MISL Champions Fall Victim to Last Second Goal in Opener

Saturday, September 28, 2002

By David Deal
Philadelphia KiXX Correspondent

The 2001-02 World Indoor Soccer League (WISL) Champion Dallas Sidekicks defeated the defending Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Champion Philadelphia KiXX 14-13 in front of 6,887 fans at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. Dallas Player/Coach Tatu scored the game-winning goal with less than a second (0.8) remaining to lead the Sidekicks to their first MISL victory. Dallas sixth attacker David Doyle (1-0) earned the victory, while Peter Pappas (0-1) took the loss for the KiXX.

KiXX forward Chris Handsor, 2002 Finals' Most Valuable Player, picked up right where he left off last season. He opened up all scoring with a 2pt goal from teammate Don D'ambra with 10:37 remaining in the first. Later in the first, Handsor set up KiXX midfielder Gary DePalma for the team's first 3pt goal of the season. Entering the second quarter, the KiXX held a 5-4 lead.

In the second period, Handsor managed the only scoring, another 2pt goal, this one from KiXX defender Pat Morris, bringing the KiXX lead to 7-4. By the end of the half, Handsor accumulated five points on two 2pt goals and one assist.

In the next two quarters, the two defending league champs battled back-and-forth, with the KiXX holding a slight advantage. D'Ambra and KiXX Player/Coach Omid Namazi each connected on a two-point goal in the third period, while Goran Vasic added one of his own in the fourth. Philadelphia held a 13-12 lead, until Dallas with the use of a sixth attacker, scored the game-winning goal with eight seconds remaining in the game.

With the win, the Sidekicks earned their first MISL victory. Dallas, as well as the San Diego Sockers, are two additions to the MISL this season. With the addition of the two teams, the MISL is now an eight-team entity that runs coast-to-coast for the first time since 1983. The league is divided into two conferences, East and West. The KiXX play in the Eastern Conference, with the Baltimore Blast, Cleveland Force, and Harrisburg Heat. The Western Conference is composed of the Dallas Sidekicks, Kansas City Comets, Milwaukee Wave, and San Diego Sockers.

Reminder: The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, with pre-game festivities including a banner ceremony, trophy and ring presentations. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. against Eastern Conference foe Harrisburg Heat. All tickets, individual and packages, are now available for the upcoming season. Individual game tickets are available at the First Union Spectrum Box Office and all TicketMaster locations, while season and group packages are available by contacting the KiXX office at 1-888-888-KIXX.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, contact the KiXX office at 1-888-888-KIXX or visit us at www.kixxonline.com

2002-03 HOME SCHEDULE

Sat., Oct. 5, 2002	7:05 PM	Harrisburg*
Sun., Oct. 13, 2002	5:05 PM	Cleveland*
Sat., Oct. 19, 2002	7:05 PM	Dallas
Sat., Oct. 26, 2002	7:05 PM	Kansas City
Sat., Nov. 2, 2002	7:05 PM	Baltimore*
Sat., Nov. 16, 2002	7:05 PM	Cleveland*
#Wed., Nov. 20, 2002	10:35 AM	San Diego
Sat., Nov. 30, 2002	7:05 PM	San Diego
Sat., Dec. 7, 2002	7:05 PM	Baltimore*
Sat., Dec.21, 2002	7:05 PM	Milwaukee
Sat., Jan. 4, 2003	7:05 PM	Dallas
Sun., Jan. 19, 2003	5:05 PM	Harrisburg*
Sat., Jan. 25, 2003	7:05 PM	Kansas City
Sat., Feb. 8, 2003	7:05 PM	Dallas
Sun., Feb. 23, 2003	1:05 PM	Harrisburg*
#Wed., Feb. 26, 2003	10:35 AM	Baltimore*
Sat., Mar. 22, 2003	7:05 PM	Milwaukee
Sun., Mar. 23, 2003	1:00 PM	Cleveland*

#SCHOOL DAY GAMES, HAVE YOUR SCHOOL CALL FOR INFORMATION
*EASTERN CONFERENCE OPPONENTS