Depleted Comets gut out upset win over Sockers

The Kansas City Comets ended their four-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the San Diego Sockers on Friday evening.

Finally, the Comets were able to hold on to a lead and close the game out. KC was able to outlast a good defensive battle with the help of some big stops from Nicolau Neto. On the offensive end, KC was led with braces from Adam James and Nick McDonald.

The Comets were without eight players due to Covid protocols, but they did get Kevin Ellis, Ramone Palmer, Ignacio Flores, and Kyle McLagan back from injury. Along with the players out, KC did this with just one practice this week, which came on Friday morning.

Sockers defender Cesar Cerda scored the only goal of the first quarter to put the visitors up 1-0 after the opening 15 minutes. John Sosa assisted a goal for Adam James early in the second quarter as the Comets pulled level at 1-1.

Nick McDonald put KC ahead assisted by Kevin Ellis before Kyle McLagan assisted Adam James’s second goal of the night to put the hosts in front 3-1 after three quarters.

San Diego pulled one back with an effort from Felipe Gonzalez, but Rian Marques had an immediate answer before Nick McDonald scored his second of the game. San Diego’s comeback effort wasn’t quite over as Brandon Escoto scored to pull the Sockers within two, but they were unable to complete the comeback as the Comets ran out 5-3 victors.

Friday’s win is KC’s first home win this season, bringing their overall record to 2-4. Following their first game of the season, the Sockers drop to 0-1 and will now head to Dallas for a meeting with the Sidekicks on Sunday.

That was an impressive performance for KC. They were finally able to hang on to the lead, despite the circumstances that forced KC to rush a couple players back from injury early. On top of that, Comets rookie Jose “Ze” Ramos was given a red card for a headbutt early in the fourth quarter. KC remained unstartled and closed out the game as Rian Marques ended up with the game-winning goal for the Comets.

The Comets had some guys step up when they needed it. Ramone Palmer was very active with several great runs while a less than 100% Ignacio Flores put in some crucial shifts to lighten the load for his teammates. Mike DaSilva was also impressive in his Comets debut, showing great speed and size.

KC’s defense was excellent. They killed both powerplays and didn’t give away too many opportunities. Nicolau Neto had some excellent saves, including a fantastic kick-save in the second quarter.

The Comets will have two weeks to get everyone cleared before they return to Cable Dahmer Arena for a Friday night matchup against the St. Louis Ambush.