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After a low-scoring opening half, the Comets were able to grind out a big 5-4 win over MASL’s newest expansion team, the Mesquite Outlaws, in their first of two games in Texas this weekend.
The MASL did not release an injury report this week, but John Sosa must have picked up an injury, as he dressed as the sideline manager Saturday night. The only other notable change was the season debut of goalkeeper Mark Saxby, who replaced Steven Hamersky.
Mesquite opened the scoring in the first quarter after Stefan Stokic deflected Rio Ramirez’s shot, which Saxby was unable to adjust for the save in time. Leo Gibson drew the Comets level with 15 seconds left in the half after firing a rocket past the keeper. The most impressive player of the opening half was definitely Mark Saxby, who was forced into eight saves in the opening 30 minutes.
No angle? Back to goal? No problem for @KCComets forward Leo Gibson as he evens the score 1-1 just before the halftime break#MESvKC pic.twitter.com/Q9VbHMdosr
— MASL (@MASLarena) December 22, 2019
In the third quarter, the Comets were able to kill off two overlapping powerplays that nearly added up to four minutes straight down a player. Mesquite finally retook the lead with two goals from VcMor Eligwe and Cody Ellis towards the end of the third period.
Mirko Sandivari and Gui Gomes scored quickly for the Comets in the fourth quarter to level the game at 3-3. Ray Lee scored his second of the season to give the Comets their first lead of the evening. Mike Jones then responded for the Outlaws after touching in his own rebound to tie the game at 4-4. Kiel Williams found a streaking Ray Saari from inside the ark, who then placed it perfectly past the keeper to give the Comets their first road win of the season.
With seconds left in the 4th qtr, rookie @ray_saari88 puts the Comets ahead 5-4#MESvKC pic.twitter.com/KiwsETzPhd
— MASL (@MASLarena) December 22, 2019
The Comets improve to 2-2, while the Outlaws drop to 1-2 on the season.
This game was very well contested by both sides, but certainly plagued by sketchy officiating. Both keepers had some huge saves for their sides, but Saxby single-handedly kept the Comets in it in the first half. The Comets also showed great resilience in the second half, coming back from a two goal deficit after not having creating too many opportunities in the third quarter. All this was done with one of their two most influential players, John Sosa, coaching from the sidelines.
Kansas City has a short turnaround, as they return to action less than 24 hours later when they play the 0-4 Dallas Sidekicks at 3:05 PM CT from Allen Events Center. Sunday’s game will be available to be streamed live on Masl.tv.