Leo Gibson ties Kansas City indoor soccer goals record. Here’s latest on KC Comets

The Kansas City Comets’ losing skid reached five games on Sunday when they lost to Utica City FC in a contest closer than the final scoreline displayed at Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York.

The Comets kept it close for the first three quarters until conceding three times in 49 seconds, which put them behind 6-3 during the fourth quarter. Utica tagged on another goal for good measure in the final seconds to put the final scoreline at 7-3.

It was a frustrating fourth quarter, considering the Comets overcame a two-goal deficit to level the score 3-3 after three quarters. Missed scoring chances and lapses in concentration popped up once again in the latest loss.

“We had them against the ropes,” Comets coach Stefan Stokic said. “We had 5 to 7 chances to score that go-ahead goal. When you don’t take advantage of those chances, you’ll get punished against good teams.”

Each side ended the game with 20 shots after the Comets had the shooting edge in the third and fourth quarters. Following a fifth straight loss, the Comets sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 7-5-1 record.

‘Legendary Leo’ ties Kansas City goals record

The legend of Leo Gibson grew once more on Sunday. The 5-6 forward scored twice in the third quarter to move into a tie with Kevin Koetters for most goals (333) in Kansas City’s illustrious indoor soccer history.

With a goal earlier in the period, Gibson received a pass off the wall in the right corner. The veteran knew exactly how much space was around him and let the keeper come off his line before dinking it over him with a one-time chip shot. It was an instinctive effort that tied the game at 3-3 and a goal that tied a record that has stood for more than two decades.

Stokic, a longtime teammate of Gibson, knew this was a record that Gibson is deserving of.

“It’s unbelievable,” Stokic said. “What he’s achieved, not a lot of players can say they have. Having him as part of this organization is a pleasure.”

Gibson and Stokic have been with the organization since 2010. They were together for the 2014 MISL championship and the undefeated regular-season campaign the year after under head coach Vlatko Andonovski. Gibson won the 2015 MASL MVP and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, points and assists.

Gibson could break the tie and hold the goals record himself as soon as this coming week; the Comets visit the Baltimore Blast on Friday and the St. Louis Ambush on Sunday.

If not, the wait will continue into the following week, when the Comets host the Tacoma Stars and Empire Strykers. Tickets are available at kccomets.com/tickets.