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KC Comets update: Soccer team plays at downtown Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center Saturday

It’s finally (almost) here: On Saturday, the Kansas City Comets play their signature soccer match of the season at downtown KC’s T-Mobile Center.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas recently visited with the team in anticipation of the Major Arena Soccer League game against the Tacoma Stars.

“I’m thrilled that professional indoor soccer is coming back to downtown Kansas City,” he said. “I hope that everyone comes out and supports one of the most exciting sports around. Families, kids ... It will be an amazing time.”

The match, set for 7 p.m. Saturday, marks the second time the Comets will play a game at the arena. They played host to the Wichita Wings in 2012 in a contest attended by about 9,000.

“Our region’s passion for soccer is exemplified not only by the strong attendance of professional and amateur sporting events, but also through thriving youth and recreational leagues,” said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “As local organizations like the KC Comets continue to invest in soccer, there’s never been a better time to be a fan.”

Tickets are on sale through T-MobileCenter.com. Groups of 10 or more can purchase discounted tickets by calling 888-9-COMETS.

Players, coaches excited

Stefan Stokic, now an assistant head coach with the Comets, was a player for the Comets at the time of that Sprint Center match in 2012.

“I remember when we played here, it was an unbelievable experience,” he said.

KC native Matt Lewis is expecting to see plenty of familiar faces Saturday.

“It’s going to be super exciting; I’m going to have a lot of friends and family at the game,” he said. “Getting to play here is something special, and hopefully the city gets behind it.”

Rookie Christian Anderaos is from Brazil but played at UMKC. The speedy attacker knows Saturday’s game is a big deal.

“It couldn’t be more exciting.” Anderaos said. “We are all looking forward to this game. We want to make sure we perform well for this game.”

Still on top

The Comets lost their first match of the season last Friday at the St. Louis Ambush. But it was a close one.

The Comets were short-handed but were leading with less than three minutes left. The Ambush made a late push and prevailed 6-5.

Back in action

The Comets had little rest and a lot of travel before their next game. After playing St. Louis on Friday, they journeyed to Tacoma on Sunday.

Player/coach Leo Gibson started the scoring 40 seconds into the match, the first of three KC goals en route to a 3-0 lead. It was 4-3 at halftime and the Comets eventually won 8-7.

The Comets are now 7-1 (21 MASL points). They’ve played just twice at home (going 2-0-0) and six times on the road (5-1-0).

Legendary Leo

Player/coach Gibson had three goals and an assist this past weej to push his MASL career scoring total to 396 points.

Gibson is locked in a tight race to the 400-point milestone with Ontario Fury forward Franck Tayou. Both play this weekend: Ontario at Baltimore Friday and Gibson and the Comets at home vs. Tacoma on Saturday.