Comets add two All Stars for the stretch run

The Kansas City Comets added two players on loan for the remainder of the 2021 season. Defender James Togbah from Utica FC and midfielder Dom Francis from the Harrisburg Heat. Both Utica and Harrisburg are not participating in the 2021 season and have allowed players to go on loan.

For Togbah, it is a return to familiar ground. The Morovia, Liberia native played for the Comets in 2017 through 2019 before joining Utica. While he was with the Comets, Togbah became a scoring threat from the backline, scoring 18 goals with 8 assists in just 23 games in his second season.

“I am excited to be back with all these familiar faces,” Togbah said via press release. “I just want to help do my part to make something special happen for our fans, and winning a championship would be a great way to come back and do that.”

Francis, was a solid attacker prior to last season but the Huddersfield, England native exploded on the scoring charts with 34 goals and 6 assists in 21 games for the Heat. His performance earned him a spot on the MASL All Star East squad.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge, and grateful for the opportunity to play this season,” Francis said via press release. “I have a solid relationship with the Comets organization, and it was an offer I couldn’t turn down. Having played against Kansas City a few times, I know the fans, the staff, the players and the arena are amazing, and the professionalism of the franchise is top level. I’m excited to help take this team into the postseason, help the younger players, and be a part of whatever the rest of the season brings.”

Francis and Togbah join Mike DaSilva from the Baltimore Blast on loan with Kansas City. DaSilva came on loan in January and has helped Kansas City put together a win streak and climb back into the middle of the standings.

With only seven teams competing in the 2021 MASL season due to sitting out or being prevented from competing, many of the teams are bringing in players in a virtual All Star arms-race to remain competitive and make the post season.

The Comets host the Dallas Sidekicks for a weekend series on Friday, February 19 at 7pm and Sunday, February 21 at 5pm.

Thad Bell