KC Comets honor a legend, head into Newman Cup playoffs on 6-game winning streak

The Kansas City Comets are fully prepared for the Ron Newman Cup playoffs after concluding the regular season on a six-game winning streak Saturday.

They ended the regular season with a bang as they beat the San Diego Sockers 10-6 at Cable Dahmer Arena. Zach Reget recorded his fifth hat trick of the season to seal the physical victory over the Western Conference leaders.

It was a fierce sprint to the finish line for the Comets, who were fighting to rescue their playoff lives over the past six weeks after an eight-game losing streak. Now they’re among the hottest teams in the MASL.

Coach Stefan Stokic discussed his team’s transformation over the past six weeks.

“Sometimes, great things take time. You try to implement it right away, but it takes time,” he said. “We try to imprint it and it’s finally come together.

“It was just about waiting for the right moment to see when it was going to click and jell together. That moment came and we’re not looking back anymore.”

The Comets have more than a week off to prepare for the postseason. They’ll play a best-of-three series against Utica City FC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Dates and times for the series will be announced soon. Follow KC Comets on social media for the most up-to-date information.

Leo the Legend retires

Before Saturday’s contest the Comets honored the career of legendary player Leo Gibson, who is recognized as the greatest in franchise history.

In February, Gibson became the all-time leading scorer in Kansas City indoor soccer history when he scored his 334th goal as a Comet. He previously helped the Comets to a championship in 2014 and was MASL MVP in 2015 after his 94 points set a record (most points in a season) that still stands today.

Gibson played 14 seasons here after signing with the Comets in 2010 and is someone that everyone has looked up to — fellow teammates and opponents alike. And not just because of his on-field production, but also what he does off that field.

Following Saturday’s game, Reget said: “He’s one of the best dudes I’ve met in the short time I’ve been here. He’s a man of God; I’m a man of God. He’s had the pastor come in for pre-game and I love that. He’s all class.”

Speaking to the sellout crowd during Saturday’s ceremony, Gibson said, “There are not words that can describe how much I appreciate this fan base. Not just as an athlete, but just as a person; a believer of God.”

Gibson is co-founder of Kick For Christ, a charity that helps youth locally and internationally discover faith and receive quality soccer equipment and training. The fan base has continuously helped Gibson’s organization with donation drives.

“You have sponsored kids in Africa, in Haiti that don’t even know you because you believe in me and support me,” Gibson said. “My family and I will always be grateful. I’m so grateful to God for calling this place a home.”