Why KC Comets coach Stefan Stokic was left concerned — despite rivalry series win
A week after clinching the I-70 Series for a fourth consecutive year, the Kansas City Comets are now left with questions to answer after dropping the final two games of the six-game series.
The Comets rotated their lineup on New Year’s Eve, as they never led on the road against the St. Louis Ambush. The Comets managed to get the game to overtime but eventually suffered a 5-4 defeat.
Both sides met again for the series finale on Jan. 4 at Cable Dahmer Arena, a game the Comets led for most of the second half. But a last-minute equalizer for St. Louis forced overtime once again.
After a scoreless overtime period, the Comets missed all three shootout attempts. St. Louis finally scored on its third attempt, taking the 7-6 road victory that left Comets head coach Stefan Stokic concerned.
“We’re going to win or lose games, but at the end of the day, our last two games were close and we came up short,” he said. “There’s a worry for me there.”
The Comets ultimately took the series 4-2, but they had plans for a series sweep until they were upended last week. The teams split the final four-game stretch, with the Comets winning the first two and the Ambush winning the final two.
“When you look at the players, there’s no consistency,” Stokic said. “And that’s where my frustration is. It’s either a good game and a couple of bad games, or it’s a good half or a good quarter and a bad one.”
Stokic has been disappointed across the board, wanting to see the veterans step up on a consistent basis. The Comets at times have seemed to lack belief, while making rookie-like mistakes in important moments.
“It’s not the end of the world, but it’s concerning because it’s becoming a pattern and not a good one,” Stokic said. “We’ll have to go back to the drawing board to see where we’re at.”
The team selection will be reevaluated going into Week 6, which gives the Comets another rivalry matchup at home against the Milwaukee Wave on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Nick Vasos to celebrate 30th anniversary
The Comets will also celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Nick Vasos becoming the voice of indoor soccer in Kansas City.
Vasos will be honored by the Kansas City, Missouri City Council, which has proclaimed Jan. 8 Nick Vasos Day. The celebration continues into the weekend with Nick Vasos Night for Sunday’s matchup against Milwaukee.
Fans can join the celebration Sunday by visiting kccomets.com/tickets to purchase tickets.