Wave ends KC Comets’ MASL playoff run in high-scoring California duel: details

The Kansas City Comets’ 2024-25 season came to a bittersweet close Saturday night in Oceanside, California, where they fell 11-7 to the Milwaukee Wave in the Major Arena Soccer League’s Ron Newman Cup quarterfinals at Frontwave Arena.

The Comets, seeded No. 4 in the MASL postseason, got off to a dream start when Lucas Sousa found the back of the net just 26 seconds into the match — the team’s fastest goal to open a game all season long.

But No. 5 Milwaukee answered swiftly, and from there the game evolved into a back-and-forth battle.

The teams traded goals and momentum through the early stages, but the tide turned in the second half. Milwaukee surged ahead with four straight goals after halftime, opening a 9-5 lead by the fourth quarter that KC could not overcome.

It marked a frustrating end for a Comets squad that showed promise much of the year but struggled with adversity down the stretch.

March brought a barrage of injuries and illnesses that left the roster depleted. While several players returned for the playoffs, goalkeeper Phillip Ejimadu saw limited action and the team was still missing some regular contributors.

In a league where momentum is so vital in the playoffs, the Comets entered the postseason on shaky footing, having lost six of their final nine regular-season games. They fought to stay close but couldn’t keep pace with Milwaukee’s potent attack.

The Wave advances to face the Chihuahua Savage in the league semifinals on Sunday, where they fell 7-6 in overtime. Chihuahua will face the San Diego Sockers — the host team for the final matches of the year — in the championship series.

San Diego punched its ticket with a dominant 11-3 win over the Baltimore Blast on home turf.

Kansas City finishes the regular season at 15-7-2. Veteran defender Chad Vandegriffe led the MASL with 81 blocks and is in contention to win the league’s defender of the year award — which would mark the Comets’ second consecutive honor in that category.

As the offseason begins, the Comets look to regroup and retool ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Fans can stay connected to all team news by visiting kccomets.com and following the club across its social media channels.