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Kansas City Comets at Milwaukee Wave
When: Monday, January 20th, 2020 at 11:07 AM CT
Where: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
How to Watch/Stream: Masl.tv/YouTube
Looking for a third consecutive win overall, and a second consecutive win over the Wave, the Kansas City Comets enter Monday’s MLK Day matchup looking to give the defending champions their third consecutive loss.
Both sides enter with short rest, as the Comets pulled off an impressive comeback over the Wave on Friday night, winning 9-8 after facing a five-goal deficit in the third quarter. Leo Gibson’s one goal and four assists along with Robert Palmer’s two goals, including the game-winning goal, and heroic double-block in the final seconds secured what could be a season-altering win for the Comets.
Monday’s game could see the return of Robert Kelly, who missed Friday’s game due to illness. Robert Palmer’s game-saving blocks might have come with a cost, as he had major struggles getting into the locker room. If the Comets are without Palmer, that would be a major blow.
Leo Gibson enters the match leading the MASL with 30 points off 15 goals and 15 assists. After starting the season as the Comets main goal threat, Kansas City’s player/coach has recorded just three of the team’s last 23 goals in the last two games, as he has turned to the provider with eight assists in his last two games.
Monday’s game will be the third game in eight days for the Wave, as the previous two were losses decided by one goal. A third straight loss for the Wave would be shocking for a team with Ian Bennett and Max Ferdinand leading their offense, but what was once a league-leading defense has suddenly given up 17 goals in their last two games, which now puts them behind Utica City and the San Diego Sockers for the league’s strongest defense.
The Comets will need to go into Milwaukee and stay in the game while moving and keeping the ball as much as possible, hoping to wear the home side down. If they can do that, then I would expect the Wave to show their vulnerabilities and the Comets will need to pounce.
Another win over the Wave would put the Comets above .500 for the first time this season, giving them another lift in their playoff dreams.