CHICAGO (Dec. 15, 2008) — In September, the Xtreme Soccer League unveiled a new vision for soccer in the United States, a lifestyle brand that expands league play into a 12-month interactive fan experience.

Saturday night in Milwaukee, that vision leaped forward with the first match in the XSL between the Wave and the Detroit Ignition. Sunday afternoon, the New Jersey Ironmen opened their 2008-09 season in the Prudential Center in Newark, hosting the Chicago Storm.

Each game featured two of the XSL’s signature accomplishments. Put into play was the Official XSL Match Ball from Brine, with the league’s green-and-white color scheme and XSL logo. And fans around the world were able to view both matches via their broadband connection on B2 Networks.

Mike Apple of the Detroit Ignition recorded the first XSL goal, a two-pointer assisted by Josh Rife with 11:16 remaining in the first quarter. The Wave, opening their 25th season, won the first game 11-4 with a spirited second-half rally. Jacek Przednowek scored the first XSL hat trick, with all three of his goals in the second half, veteran Marcelo Fontana added two goals and Feenstra saved six of the eight shots he faced.

In New Jersey, Chicago goalkeeper Jeff Richey shut down a veteran New Jersey lineup for the final 59 minutes after Neto put the Ironmen on top just 66 seconds in. Awadalla Morad scored the game-winner in the fourth, his 50th career goal.

Detroit and Chicago open their home seasons Saturday, with the Ignition hosting New Jersey and the Storm taking on Milwaukee. Both matches are available on B2 Networks.

Founded this summer by the Milwaukee Wave, Detroit Ignition, New Jersey Ironmen and Chicago Storm, the Xtreme Soccer League is more than an indoor soccer league.  The Xtreme Soccer Xperience is an energetic and innovative 12-month sports lifestyle brand built around skilled soccer professionals, entertainment and fan participation — both live and online. For more information, visit XtremeSL.net.