KC Comets update: Playoff clincher could come Friday night as team honors former Attack
The Kansas City Comets sit in first place in the Major Arena Soccer League’s Central Division and could clinch a playoff spot Friday night at Cable Dahmer Arena.
A win by the Comets (11-5-1) over a longtime rival, the Milwaukee Wave (6-10-1), in the 7 p.m. match would secure that spot in the MASL postseason. The Comets have defeated the Wave in three of their four meetings this season, including 11-4 and 10-4 in their last two.
The Comets will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Kansas City Attack Friday evening by wearing throwback Attack jerseys, honoring former Attack stars at halftime and unveiling a new banner recognizing the former club’s two NPSL championships.
Some of the former Attack stars who are scheduled to attend: Chris Duke, Kevin Koetters, Kim Roentved, Nate Houser, Efrim Shimlis, Tom Knox, Lee Tschantret and Sammy Ekeme.
Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets by calling the Comets at 888-9-COMETS.
Comets split with Dallas
The Comets split a two-game series last weekend with the Dallas Sidekicks. A dominating 13-6 victory in Kansas City last Friday was a good start, but they fell 8-3 on the road Sunday.
Dallas jumped out to an early lead in KC, but the Comets responded with two five-goal quarters. Rookie Lesia Thetsane led the way with three goals and two assists, Lucas Sousa had a hat-trick and an assist and Rian Marques added two goals and two assists. Rookie Christian Anderaos scored a goal and contributed two assists.
Another newcomer to the Comets, league veteran Richard Schmermund, added a pair of goals in his debut with the club. The defender was acquired from the St. Louis Ambush earlier in the week.
Possible Rookie of the Year
With four goals and three assists in two games, defender Thetsane was honored as the MASL Offensive Player of the Week. The native of Lesotho in southern Africa had the the hat trick against the Sidekicks Friday and added another goal Sunday.
The transition from outdoor to indoor soccer can be difficult, but Thetsane is progressing rapidly. Since a breakout game against the Tacoma Stars at the T-Mobile Center in January, Thetsane has scored 10 goals with five assists.
“I am starting to find my rhythm,” he said, “but it is all thanks to my teammates, who help me at every practice. And on game day, they are there for me.”
Comets add Sedalia’s ‘Lalo’
The Comets continue to add young players with local connections. They recently signed midfielder Eduardo “Lalo” Alonso to a one-year contract.
Alonso has been practicing with the Comets since the beginning of training camp in November, making the commute to training from Sedalia. He was first-team all-state in 2017 and 2018 at Smith Cotton High and played for Comets owner Brian Budzinski in the Alliance Futbol Club.
In 2018 and 2019, Alonso played for the Morelia Monarcas U20s in Liga Premier, Mexico’s third division.
“At 20 years old, Lalo is a young player with a bright future,” Budzinski said. “He has earned a contract from the coaching staff through his hard work and dedication.”
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 4:34 PM.