KC Comets reclaim 1st place in MASL standings. Here’s what’s next on the schedule

The Kansas City Comets cruised back into first place of the Major Arena Soccer League’s Eastern Conference standings with their third consecutive win on Saturday, January 6, defeating the Harrisburg Heat 8-4 at Cable Dahmer Arena.

The Comets came out aggressive but could not crack the goal until Leo Gibson opened his account for the season 6:28 into the contest. Lucas Sousa ended his four-game scoring drought 14 seconds later.

It opened the gates for a convincing performance where the Comets led by as many as five in the second half.

Five Comets had multi-point games, including Nacho Flores’ four assists, Gibson’s two goals and assist and John Sosa’s goal and two assists. But the main takeaway was Gibson returning to the scoresheet for the first time this season.

The franchise’s all-time leader in points, goals and assists went six regular season games without scoring before his first-quarter breakthrough on Saturday. His quick turn-and-fire score was a relief celebrated by the entire team.

“It was a big moment for us to get him going this season,” said Comets coach Stefan Stokic, who has been with Gibson and the Comets since both signed as players in 2010. “He’s going to be an important piece for us moving forward as well.”

“Leo the Legend,” who served as player-coach the previous four seasons, said it was a matter of time before getting in a groove again after handing coaching duties to Stokic over the offseason.

“The fun thing about playing right now is the group of guys I’m playing with; it’s been fun,” Gibson said. “What you saw on the field is nothing new. In practice, it’s the same thing. Everyone just wants to see their teammate do well. For me, it was nice to see that.”

Gibson now has 330 career goals for the Comets, trailing Kevin Koetters by just three for the all-time goals record in Kansas City indoor soccer history.

The Comets now sit at the top of the Eastern Conference standings after getting beneficial results in Week 7. Previous leaders, Utica City FC, lost both away games, allowing the Comets to pass them in the standings, with both having played eight games.

The Comets will now prepare for the toughest portion of their schedule as they play four games within seven days — and begin a six-game road trip. KC hosts Utica City FC on Friday, January 12, before going to Mexico for two games against Monterrey Flash on January 14 and 16. The Comets conclude their trip to Mexico with a matchup against the Chihuahua Savage on January 19.