Defense shines as Comets top Ambush, advance to semi-finals

The Kansas City Comets defeated the St. Louis Ambush in game two of the quarterfinals of the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs by a score of 6-2 on Sunday to complete a two-game sweep of the Ambush.

Player-coach Leo Gibson led the way for Kansas City with two goals and an assist while Ray Lee and Kevin Ellis each registered a goal and an assist. The Comets will now return home for both semi-final matches on April 1 and 3 against a team to be determined on Monday.

After weathering an early storm, the Comets took the lead with goals from Dominic Francis and Leo Gibson in the first quarter to give the Comets a 2-0 lead after the first quarter. The Ambush got one back early in the second quarter after Stefan Mijatovic scored from a restart at the top of the arc. Gibson scored his second of the day to restore Kansas City’s two-goal advantage before halftime.

The Ambush got one back again after Max Ferdinand scored on the rebound after his penalty was saved. The Comets had an immediate response with a goal seconds later from Kevin Ellis. Ray Lee added to the lead before Ramone Palmer finished things off with a goal against the sixth attacker to secure a 6-2 win.

Sunday’s win sealed Kansas City’s first postseason series win since 2016 and brings an end to a four-game losing streak in St. Louis. Kansas City has now won eight of their last nine games this season.

Sunday’s win was powered by a strong defensive performance. After letting up 18 shots in the first half, the Comets defense locked down and allowed just nine shots in the second half. Both of the goals scored by the Ambush were scored from set pieces. Nicolau Neto made 14 saves and ended the game with a career-high .875 save percentage.

The Comets will host all semi-final games at Cable Dahmer Arena. Game one for both semi-final matchups will be on April 1 before game two and possibly game three is slated for April 3.