November 15, 2009 - Malvern, PA

The Lionville Kixx and their families converged on the Great Valley soccer fields in Malvern on a sunny Sunday afternoon for the Delco League Championship match against West-Mont. After seemingly endless rainy weekends, the skies cleared and the temperature rose to a balmy seventy degrees. The field was a little muddy, but for a change the boys were able to wear their bright blue uniforms without shivering or getting wet! The day started out with a good omen, as early arrivers watched the Lionville U-10 boys' team win their championship match!

All fourteen Kixx players were at the game, the culmination of an inaugural season that had seen the Kixx run up an impressive 13-9-2 record through four tournaments and the Delco fall season. The field was pretty good, not too muddy considering all of the rain in the previous week, but there was a decided downhill slant in one direction. In addition, a consistent wind was blowing directly down the hill, giving the team heading in that direction a significant advantage. The Kixx were hoping to win the toss and take the downhill advantage in the second half, but it didn't work out, so they started the game heading downhill. The whistle blew, and the championship was on!

The Kixx had started strong against the Wizards in their previous matchup, leaping to a 2-0 lead before giving up 3 straight goals in a 3-2 victory, and today was a similar start. The Kixx dominated play for the first several minutes. In their 3-1-3 formation, the three forwards and midfielder Michael Bolger put constant pressure on the Wizards' keeper. The Kixx got chance after chance, executing so many of the plays we had practiced this year. They used the sides of the field, made strong throw-ins, passed the ball into the center, and positioned themselves well on offense.

Michael Bolger was a force in the middle, constantly pushing balls into the goal area, and preventing the Wizards from clearing the ball out easily. Mike probably wins the award for "most running in a single season," as he was all over the field in a roving midfielder role.

But the Kixx just couldn't quite knock it home, despite their valiant pressure. Mike Caggiano got off a great shot in the first half, rocketing a shot that nearly gave the Kixx the lead, and Brian Miller and Tristan Hummel helped keep up the pressure.

In the mean time, however, the Kixx 3-man defensive line of Daniel Andris, Daniel Good, and Max Gress were near unstoppable. Every time the ball squirted out of the West-Mont end, it was met by one of the three, who pushed the ball back into play. Matt Tutterice also helped out with several key clears.

The Kixx also benefited from solid goaltending from Mike Battisti, who scooped up the few balls that got through. With just a few minutes left in the game, the Kixx had a scare, when the Wizards crossed a ball from the far right corner. It came free to a Wizard player, who blasted a shot just over the crossbar. But between the back line and Mike, there was little pressure on the Kixx in the first half.

The game went into half-time tied 0-0, but there was no question the Kixx had controlled play. But would it be the same in the second half, without the advantage of the wind and the sloping field? Zach DeLone proved early on in the second half that the Kixx would keep it up. All day long on the right wing, Zach pressured the Wizards with his tremendous speed, but again, the Kixx just couldn't quite capitalize.

The Kixx hustled all game long, too. The forwards constantly ran hard to get back and challenge players, preventing them from getting clean breaks. Alex Mullins made several nice plays on the left wing, coming close to scoring chances on several occasions. Charlie Beale nearly gave the Kixx the lead late when he blasted a shot off the crossbar!

With time running out, though, it looked like the game was headed for overtime. But West-Mont made a late push, up the left wing. Defender Daniel Andris streaked in and challenged the Wizard wing, stealing the ball. He was able to keep control, and push it up to Joey D'Angelo.

Joey was able to push the ball over to the center of the field, where the Kixx pressed the attack. Daniel Good knocked the ball across to the left wing, where Charlie Beale picked it up.

Charlie and Mike Bolger fought with a crowd of Wizards, and they gradually pressed the ball to the corner of the 14-yard area. There was less than a minute left in the game!

With his characteristic persistence, Charlie kept on the ball, and managed to sneak the ball through towards the middle, right to Dalton Musselman. Dalton, so solid for the Kixx all season long, found himself face to face with the Wizards' goalie. Cool as could be, he pushed the ball a step to his right, and sent a shot out of the reach of the keeper, and off the right post and in!! Pandemonium ensued, with excited kids jumping everywhere! The coaches checked watches and frantically tried to get the kids lined up and prepared to play defensively. West-Mont pressed the ball straight down the field, though, and nearly got a scoring chance. But as the Kixx knocked the ball across the end line for a corner kick, the whistle blew! The Kixx were the champions!!!

A huge dog pile ensued, with happy kids piled in a heap on top of Dalton.

After congratulating West-Mont on a tremendously hard-fought battle, the kids raced over to their parents, who held up their hands and made a tunnel for the excited kids to run through.

After the game, the team received their first trophy, and the boys who were still around received medals from the league. (The rest will get theirs at this weekend's party!)

Overall, a fantastic finish to a fantastic season. Thanks so much to all of the parents for raising such fantastic boys and being such great parents!