Comets cruise past Sidekicks

The Kansas City Comets defeated the Dallas Sidekicks by a final score of 13-4 at Cable Dahmer Arena on Sunday.

Adam James, Rian Marques, Matt Lewis, and Mike DaSilva each scored braces for KC. Dallas forward Felipe De Sousa led the game with three goals for the visitors. Despite the nine-goal difference in the final score, the Comets narrowly outshot the Sidekicks 26-24.

The Comets opted to rest first-choice goalkeeper Nicolau Neto, giving Lou Misner his first start of the season. Misner played the first three quarters, giving up three goals before he was replaced by Mark Saxby for the final 15 minutes.

The Sidekicks struck the game’s opening goal through Anthony Powell midway through the opening quarter, but the Comets replied with an even-strength goal from Leo Gibson and a short-handed goal from Matt Lewis. KC added three and Dallas added one in the second quarter as the Comets took a 5-2 lead into halftime.

Mike DaSilva’s first goal of the game came early in the third period, but Dallas answered to bring them back within three. The Comets answered with four straight before Felipe De Souza finished off his hat trick early in the fourth period. KC added three more goals as they buried the Sidekicks with the final score of 13-4.

Sunday’s win brings the Comets above .500 for the first time this season, although they have slipped down to fourth place with a .556 winning percentage and a 5-4 record, trailing the 3-2 San Diego Sockers with a .600 winning percentage. The Sidekicks remain at the bottom of the table with a 1-7 record and .125 winning percentage.

This weekend’s two-game sweep for the Comets extends their winning streak to four games. Kansas City also improved their penalty kill to 67% with two penalty kills. While the Florida Tropics lead the MASL with 69 goals for, the Comets are just two behind them with two fewer games played.

The Sidekicks came out strong again, but KC was able to do enough despite some nervy moments from an aggressive Lou Misner and the defense. The Comets finished the match with eight different goalscorers, including Leo Gibson, Lucas Sousa, and Ramone Palmer each adding a goal. Tougher tests still remain ahead, which will include teams filled with firepower in the attack.

The Comets will have a week off before a much more daunting task as they host the Tacoma Stars and Ontario Fury on back-to-back nights on March 6th and 7th before finishing the regular season against Dallas the following weekend.