Masters of the Universe

"In a world with the darkest powers,
And here we are, we're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of you all."
-"Princes of the Universe", QUEEN

The Philadelphia Kixx played the Detroit Ignition Saturday for the 2007 MISL Championship. Of course it was pretty obvious who was going to win this game before it started. Seriously, Philadelphia: City of Champions versus Detroit: City of (Crime?). The team with a coach on the bench, dressed quite dapperly, or the team with the coach leading ON THE FIELD? The team that didn't exist when the 2006 MISL Championship was contested, or the team that has been UNBEATABLE since I bought one of their hats? (The answers are A, B, B, if you are scoring at home.)

The Kixx scored first, on a goal by player-coach Don D'Ambra, and roared to an eight point lead. Stocky "bull in a china shop" forward Shawn Boney scored a skillful goal with a nifty back heel from right in front of goal. Defender of the Year Genoni Martinez, who looks exactly like the drummer for Dream Theater, scored on a penalty kick. When Detroit pulled to within 2 points, D'Ambra scored a 3 pointer from near midfield. All-Universe GK Peter Pappas did the rest with a number of stunning saves.

The game was delayed for a bit, when the ball hit a net full of balloons suspended over the field. I thought I was watching a Red Sox game in Tampa Bay for awhile, especially when one of the announcers indicated that the officials were going to handle the balloon situation with a bunch of darts. (I am certain that Don Orsillo would have said that.) Inexplicably, the balloon problem did not make the game story. It was certainly a highlight for this blogger.

The Kixx hung on for a 13-8 victory, securing the 2nd MISL title in their 11 year history. My next Kixx hat will be a "2007 Champions" one.