Showing and aggressive offense and a crisp defense, the Orlando Sharks began the game against the Philadelphia KiXX determined to end the year with a win. The only goal they gave up in the first quarter was a two-pointer to KiXX player/head coach forward Don D’Ambra. Orlando got on the board with a goal and an assist by Sharks’ new acquisitions midfielder Eric Vasquez and forward Shawn Boney. This was Vasquez’s first goal for the team, but Sharks fans will see more of this tandem throughout the rest of this season. The first quarter ended with the score tied two points each.
After Orlando killed a Philadelphia power play, the one-two punch of Vasquez and Boney struck again with Boney netting a two-pointer with an assist from Vasquez. With five minutes left in the half, D’Ambra tied the game with his second goal. Sharks’ defenseman Mauricio Ruiz put Orlando back on top with an unassisted two-point goal. The score at the half was Orlando 6, Philadelphia 4.
In the third quarter, D’Ambra showed why he is a MISL All-Star by scoring a hat trick followed by an assist to defenseman Pat Morris. The quarter ended with the KiXX taking the lead by the score of 8 to 6.
Seconds into the fourth quarter Boney tied the game with an unassisted lightning shot on goal – his second of the game. KiXX midfielder Angel Rivillo quieted the crown with a two-pointer that proved to be the game-winner. Midfielder Ptah Myers extended the KiXX lead with another two-pointer and another assist by D’Ambra. With a little over two minutes remaining, JP Rodrigues replace Sharks’ goalkeeper Antonio Iriarte as the sixth attacker, but the KiXX defense stiffened.
In the end Orlando’s first win was so close, but wasn’t to happen. With the final score Philadelphia KiXX 12, Orlando Sharks 8, Orlando ends the calendar year winless, but shows great promise for the New Year and the rest of the season.
