The Blue Turf: First win in the Stokic era

Erik Bergrud from the Kansas City Comets broadcast team and Thad Bell from the Kansas City Soccer Journal recorded a new episode this week. Of course, we had to discuss the Kansas City Comets earning the victory in the opening match of the 2023-24 MASL season 9-3 over the visiting Milwaukee Wave. It’s always good to beat a long-time rival, it’s always good to start the season on the right foot, but it was especially sweet for new head coach Stefan Stokic. He assumed the position after having played and being an assistant coach for the Comets so getting his first win was special.

We discuss who played well, what went right and what did not. Can we say penalty kill?  Different lines, young players getting time, and veterans contributing. Standout performances on defense and in the goal led to an all-around strong game for Kansas City. Zach Reget, John Sosa, Robert Palmer, Nacho Flores and Neto all featured in the win. Reget with three goals, Sosa with a goal and three assists, and Palmer with double-digit blocks were key to the win. Neto only gave up one even-strength goal. That was a mistake on his part but the rest of the match was stellar.

Young players Henry Ramirez (1 goal), Lalo Alonso (1 assist), and Mikey Lenis (two assists) not only received time, but they featured early and often.

The Comets face another rival this weekend when the St. Louis Ambush travel across the state from St. Charles with four former Comets on the roster.

Listen to this episode below or wherever you find the KC Soccer Journal family of podcasts. Please subscribe, rate, & review! Follow Thad on X/Twitter @TheBackpost   or IG @thad_photo and Follow Erik on X/Twitter @Erik Bergrud