Pappas, Kixx blank Blast

Peter Pappas recorded the first Kixx shutout in 4 years in a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Blast on Saturday night in a Major Indoor Soccer League game at the Wachovia Spectrum.

Pappas stopped 20 shots in handing the Blast its first shutout loss in the club's 15-year history.

Jonathan Steele and Sammy Castellanos scored as the Kixx improved to 6-8. Baltimore fell to 6-6.

Castellanos, a Philadelphia native, opened the scoring when he converted a rebound off a shot by Aaron Susi 12:55 into the first quarter. It was the first career goal for Castellanos, who signed a 15-day, five-game contract to join his brother, Dave, with the Kixx.

Steele gave the Kixx a 4-0 lead with 2:04 left in the third quarter. The goal, set up by Ptah Myers, was Steele's first of the season and first with the Kixx.

The last shutout by the Kixx came on Jan. 14, 2004, against the San Diego Sockers.

The team will stay play host to the Orlando Sharks on Team Photo Night, Saturday at the Spectrum. *