The Orlando Sharks came to Philadelphia determined to win their first game of the year. Both teams began the game with vigorous attacks on goal. Less than three minutes into the game Sharks forward Damien Pottinger scored first blood with a two-point goal assisted by JP Rodrigues. Sharks 6’7” forward Shawn Boney took several vicious shots on goal but all were repelled by KiXX goalkeeper Peter Pappas. KiXX forward Aaron Susi tied the game with five minutes remaining in the quarter. Shortly after, Philadelphia took the lead with a two-point goal from defenseman Wendell Regis, and continued to press scoring again with a goal from midfielder David Castellanos. The first quarter ended with the KiXX on top 6-2.
Philadelphia added to their total early in the second quarter when Aaron Susi scored his second goal of the game. The Sharks defense stiffened, but with less than two minutes remaining in the half, KiXX defenseman Pat Morris increased their lead by eight. At halftime the score was Philadelphia KiXX 10, Orlando Sharks 2.
In the third quarter the KiXX just kept on coming as Sharks goalkeeper Paul Nagy blocked a wicked shot from forward Don D’Ambra, only to have David Castellanos score his second goal of the evening off the rebound. Seconds later, midfielder Tony Donatelli netted another goal for Philadelphia. Midway through the quarter, Orlando got back on the board as Damien Pottinger scored his second goal of the game with an assist by defenseman Bill Sedgewick. The KiXX answered quickly with a goal by midfielder Jonathan Steele. Fighting back, Orlando’s defenseman Gaston Pernia slammed a two-pointer in goal, his first of the season. Once again, Philadelphia answered quickly with a goal from defenseman Nigel Marples. The third quarter ended with the score KiXX 18, Sharks 6.
Sharks scoring leader JP Rodrigues scored his tenth goal of the season with a little more than six minutes left in the game, but with three minutes remaining, Don D’Ambra capped the evening’s scoring with a KiXX goal. The KiXX solid defense and swarming offense proved to be too much for the Orlando Sharks. With the final score Philadelphia KiXX 20, Orlando Sharks 8, Orlando must wait until next Friday night in their game against the California Cougars as they search for their first win.
