KC Comets take step back after difficult week: ‘We learned a lot about ourselves’

The Kansas City Comets had the opportunity to make a major statement with two games against fellow Eastern Conference title contenders but suffered frustrating losses in both contests.

The first of the two losses came on Friday, January 12, as KC blew a three-goal lead in a 7-6 overtime loss against Utica City FC in front of a strong crowd inside Cable Dahmer Arena. On Sunday, January 14, the Comets kicked off a six-game road trip and lost 12-5 to the Monterrey Flash at Arena Borregos in Mexico.

Instead of creating some separation from the rest of the East, the Comets’ two losses put them in third place at the conclusion of Week 8. It was a weekend of bitter disappointment that began with promising expectations for the Comets.

Friday’s contest could have easily been a Comets win. Leading 4-1 at halftime, Utica City quickly gained momentum in the third quarter. The Comets trailed 6-5 before Leo Acosta’s clutch fourth-quarter goal forced overtime, but Utica City eventually won.

The Comets traveled to Monterrey on Saturday before taking the field Sunday against the undefeated Flash.

“The start of the game hurt us a lot and then it kept getting worse and worse,” Comets coach Stefan Stokic said.

The Comets trailed 2-0 after the first quarter and were unable to retain possession or create many offensive opportunities. By halftime, the scoreline favored Monterrey 8-1.

“We learned a lot about ourselves in this game,” Stokic said, aiming his criticism at his team’s lack of focus. “A lot of the things I’ve been preaching all season long when we started.”

Facing a seven-goal deficit, the Comets didn’t lay down. They conceded another to make it 9-1, but clawed their way back with three consecutive goals. By the end of the game, the Comets and Flash played out a 4-4 score in the second half.

While the 12-5 loss was certainly disappointing, Stokic noted a silver lining from the result.

“It shows that we can keep up with this team. As much as it is negative at the moment, there are positives going into the next game,” Stokic said.

After another game against Monterrey on Tuesday night, the Comets are set to conclude their three-game trip to Mexico with a Friday meeting against the Chihuahua Savage. The Comets will eventually return home to face the Tacoma Stars on Friday, February 9.