COMETS SIGN DEFENDER CHRISTIAN DUKE

KANSAS CITY (February 23, 2022) – The Kansas City Comets announced today that defender, Christian Duke has signed a one-year contract with the club. Per team and league policies, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Duke, who hails from Overland Park, KS, is the son of former Kansas City Comets and Kansas City Attack star, Chris Duke. Duke will wear the number 20 on his jersey, the same number that his father wore during his days as a Comet. The elder Duke played for the Comets from 1989-1991, then played for the Kansas City Attack in 1992.

Like his father, Duke played soccer collegiately at the University of San Diego where he appeared in 60 games for the Toreros and earned All-West Coast Conference Second Team honors. In 2013, he was drafted in the first round (14th overall) of the Supplemental Draft by Sporting Kansas City and spent the preseason with the club. He was subsequently loaned to USL affiliate Orlando City SC, where he was named the team’s Rookie of the Year.

In 2014, Duke began the season with Sporting Kansas City, but was loaned to OKC Energy FC in March and played for the club through the 2015 season. In 2016, Duke joined the Swope Park Rangers and started 29 of the team’s 30 matches. In 2017, he played every minute in the regular season for the Rangers, starting all 34 games. After rejoining Orange County SC from 2018-2019, Duke rejoined the renamed Swope Park Ranger, Sporting II, making 12 appearances, including 10 starts.

“We couldn’t be more excited to add a player of Christian’s caliber to the club,” said Comets Managing Partner, Brian Budzinski. “His resume speaks for itself. Christian will be a tremendous addition to the Comets’ backline.”

The Duke signing marks the second son of a former Comets star to play for the team this year. Kyle McLagan, son of former Comets standout, Doug McLagan, played in six games earlier this season before heading to play soccer overseas in Iceland.

“I am beyond excited to be joining a Championship caliber team and hope to provide anything I can to help this team win the league,” said Duke. “I remember as a kid, watching my dad wear this same jersey, so to get an opportunity to follow in his footsteps and play for this great historic club is a privilege. I can’t wait to get to work. Thank you to Coach Gibson and the staff for making this possible.”

The Kansas City Comets are founding members of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and play their games at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, MO. For the latest news and information, visit KCComets.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For tickets and information call 888-9-COMETS (266387)