ANAHEIM -- The LA KISS opted to go without their usual over the top entertainment Saturday at the Honda Center.
However, KISS brought another unique experience to the fans. This time, it was presented off the field and hours before kickoff.
KISS the band was celebrated. KISS the football team? Not so much.
The joyous occasion was marred as the L.A. KISS couldn't keep up against the San Jose Sabercats, losing 48-32 and suffering their third straight defeat.
Final score tonight after a hard fought game, @LAKISS_AFL 32... @sjsabercats 48 pic.twitter.com/ITsYHUlPjX
— LA KISS (@LAKISS_AFL) April 27, 2014
Coming off a fresh induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, KISS invited the fans to join in on KISS the band's recent achievement.
Fans who arrived earlier had the opportunity to get their picture taken with KISS' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trophy.
Ladies & Gentlemen... @PaulStanleyLive!! #LAKISS #KISS #GoLAKISS pic.twitter.com/7p9BCBFsY4
— LA KISS (@LAKISS_AFL) April 27, 2014
As for the product on the field, the KISS' inconsistencies continue to show in the expansion team. Los Angeles stayed within reach of the Sabercats, exchanging touchdown for touchdown in the first half, but three second half turnovers from the KISS proved to be the difference.
"You can't turn the ball over three times in the second half. Absolutely uncalled for," said KISS head coach Bob McMillen.
Six games into the season, and a sense of panic is beginning to settle in on the KISS (2-4) as they continue to drop in the standings.
And McMillen isn't afraid to challenge his players.
The Hall of Famer criticized the play of his defensive and offensive line as well as his kicker Kenny Spencer, who missed three straight extra points and was held scoreless for the second straight game.
He called his defensive line "invisible" and his kicker "atrocious."
McMillen stated he would be looking for new defensive lineman, offensive lineman and a new kicker in the upcoming weeks.
"You can print all of this. I don't care what these guys think of me. I'm going to find the guys that want to play and help the L.A. KISS win football games flat out. I'm not asking to be their friend. I'm their coach," McMillen said.
@LAKISS_AFL signing for fans after the game at @HondaCenter tonight. #LAKISS pic.twitter.com/OsgMIRg6t5
— LA KISS (@LAKISS_AFL) April 27, 2014
Quarterback J.J. Raterink moved the ball well, throwing 15 of 21 for 159 yards and two touchdowns. He finished 30 of 45 for 305 yards and three touchdowns.
But second half miscues proved to be the difference. With an opportunity to get KISS within one score, Raterink threw one of his two second-half interceptions on the opening drive of the third quarter. The Sabercats capitalized on the turnover and dug the KISS in a deeper hole.
"You can't have a good first half and then a slow start to the third quarter and then put something together late. We dug ourselves in a hole there," Raterink said.
McMillen praised his quarterback's first half effort but questioned some of his decisions in the second half.
"I don't throw the football. We call the plays, we hope he makes the right reads," McMillen said.
