Schmermund the Hat Trick Hero As Orlando Beat Kansas City

Six second-half goals lead Orlando to Victory

Kansas City, MO – After conceding a 2-0 deficit heading into halftime, the Orlando SeaWolves scored six goals in the second half, three of them coming from defender Richard Schmermund, leading Orlando to a scrappy 6-4 win over the Kansas City Comets.

The Comets started out the game with a quick start, scoring a goal within four minutes of the opening kick, thanks to Leo Gibson. Orlando was forced to chase the rest of the first quarter, creating quality chances, but unable to score them.

The SeaWolves continued to knock on the door of the Comets goal but continued to be shut out as the stout KC defense and goalkeeper Mark Saxby continued to hold strong through the second quarter. The Comets were able to add a second just two minutes before halftime, sending the SeaWolves to the locker room with a bitter taste and a 2-0 deficit to come back from.

The second half turned the game around for the away side. Just two minutes in, Schmermund rocketed one off a free kick into the back of the net to halve the deficit, then two minutes later, he smashed another one into the corner, tying the game up with only four minutes gone in the second half.

This got the game up to full speed as Orlando dominated the rest of the quarter, outshooting the Comets 12-1. However, it was Kansas City who eventually scored the last goal of the quarter with just 11 seconds left to send them to the final frame up one.

The fourth quarter saw both teams trade blows early on. Elmo Neto scored one four minutes into the quarter to tie the game, but then James Togbah for the Comets put them back ahead just three minutes later.

That would prove to be the final Comets goal of the game, as Gordy Gurson got his first of the game off an assist from Schmermund to tie the game, then Schmermund himself blasted one from the top of the arc to give Orlando a 5-4 lead with four minutes to go.

The Comets went with a sixth attacker to try and tie the game, but good pressure from the SeaWolves paid off, as Eduardo Cruz created the turnover, feeding newly signed midfielder Bobby Hurwitz to tap in the clincher, giving Orlando the 6-4 win.

Friday’s game also marks a personal milestone for Gordy Gurson, who played in his 100th MASL game. Richard Schmermund is also close to the same milestone, having just played in his 99th career MISL/MASL game on Friday.

The SeaWolves will have a very quick turnaround as they drive straight from Kansas City to Milwaukee to take on the Wave tomorrow. Kickoff for that game will be at 2:05 p.m EST.

MASL Match Report
Match: Kansas City Comets vs Orlando SeaWolves
Date: March 8, 2019
Venue: Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, Independence, MO
Kickoff: 7:38 p.m. CT / 8:38 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary