COMETS START ROAD TRIP WITH WIN

by Jeff Husted

ONTARIO, CA (Jan. 13, 2017) – Five different players scored for the Kansas City Comets tonight as they opened up their two-game California road trip with a 5-2 victory over the Ontario Fury. In a game that only needed two hours to finish, the Comets brought their record to 7-4 and within a game of first place in the Central Division.

The Ontario Fury showed tremendous respect for the Comets offense all game as they were content to let the Comets bring the ball into their half unopposed much of the night. Their strategy worked midway through the opening quarter as they were able to quickly counter and score the first goal of the night.

Only two minutes later Alain Matingou was able to find Bryan Perez open in front of the net. The veteran midfielder wasted no time and found the equalizing goal.

The Comets controlled the ball throughout the second quarter as they patiently waited for their opportunities. Seven minutes in, Leo Gibson held the ball to the left of the penalty box as Vahid Assadpour came streaking in towards goal. The team captain only needed one touch to put the ball past Ontario’s goalkeeper as Kansas City took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the night.

In the second half John Sosa chipped a ball towards Guerrero Pino in the box. Rather than try his shot, the rookie simply turned as the ball passed him and into the goal. Leo Gibson scored his 13th goal of the season at the start of the 4th quarter before Pino added the final tally against an empty net late in the period.

Kansas City continues its California tour tomorrow as they head to face the Pacific Division leading San Diego Sockers at 9:05 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on MASLtv, the streaming of the Major Arena Soccer League. Weather permitting, there will also be a fan-hosted Watch Party at Coach’s Bar & Grille at 103rd & Wornall.