Saturday January 14, 2012
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Wichita Wings took the final MISL regular season meeting against the Missoui Comets as Kevin Ten Eyck’s goal with just under three minute to play earnt his side a 10-9 victory on Saturday night. Kansas City’s Sprint Center was full of excitement as 8,276 fans packed the house to watch the final game of the I-35 Series this season.
As with every game in this series, the action was fast, furious and full of intensity. The Comets (9-8), wearing retro-themed jerseys inspired by the 1988-1989 Kansas City Comets, came out firing. Wings goalkeeper Sanaldo was on his heels early as he faced a couple of great shots from the Comets attack. However, it was the Wings (5-8) who struck first, Frederico Moojen putting the Wings on the board six minutes into the game after collecting a ricochet from goalkeeper Danny Waltman. Geison hit back for the Comets up with a blistering 3-point shot only four minutes later to give the Comets a 3-2 lead after the first quarter.
The second quarter was full of action. The excitement and awe of playing in Sprint Center seemed to wear off for both teams as they both picked up the intensity of their attacks. There were more shots -- and penalty minutes -- in the second quarter than any other quarter of the game. Fausto and Brian Cushing each gave the Wings the lead, only for the the Comets to answer both times with goals from Byron Alvarez and Vahid Assadpour for a 7-6 halftime lead.
At halftime, the fans were treated to a special exhibition featuring players from all across the great history of Indoor Soccer. Superstars Kia, Tatu, Ted Eck, Gordon Hill, Gino Schiraldi and many more relived their glory days in the short game. Coach Kim Roentved even made a quick cameo
It was all business in the second half, though. The defenses stepped up their game in the third quarter. Ryan Junge and Cristiano recorded five blocks between them and Sanaldo made several saves off his line for the Wings. Wichita’s Daniel Villegas did put one past Waltman, the only goal of the quarter, to give the Wings a 8-7 lead with 15 minutes to go.
Lucas Rodriguez put the Comets back on top six minutes into the fourth quarter and the rowdy Comets fans stood on their feet in excitement. The Comets were unable to hold on to their lead again, though, as Ten Eyck scored the eventual game winner with 2:56 to play, and while the Comets pushed for a game-winner with the sixth attacker the Wings were able to hold on for their second victory against their Central Division rival this season.
The Comets are back home at the Independence Events Center on Wednesday, January 25th against the Syracuse Silver Knights at 7:35 p.m. It is Gino Schiraldi Bobblehead night, with the first 1,500 fans in the arena will receive a Limited Edition Gino Schiraldi Bobblehead. Gino himself will be on-site to meet with fans following the game. For tickets and information call the Comets at (816) 478-2255.
For more information about the Comets, Season Tickets or Group Outings please call Jeff Husted (816-478-7870) or email jhusted@cometsindoorsoccer.com.