HOT START FOR STOKIC'S COMETS

by Joseph Reina

**The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoints or positions of the Major Arena Soccer League.**

@josephreina21


The MASL’s opening weekend did not disappoint thanks to an intense and competitive I-70 Rivalry home-and-home series between the Kansas City Comets and the St. Louis Ambush. Amidst the 23 goals that enthralled a combined 7923 live spectators and even more on TV, both teams showed us glimpses behind the curtain. Let’s take a look at some of the takeaways from the season’s first two games.

The Comets are already in midseason form

It should come as no surprise that the Comets looked impressive this weekend. Last season, Kansas City won five of their six meetings with the Ambush by a combined score of 43-29. However, of those six contests, three were decided by just one goal, showing that even last season, the Ambush had the ability to hang with their cross-state rivals.


This year, the Comets reloaded and built a team much more in line with head coach Stefan Stokic’s play-style. Over the course of the 120 minutes, the Comets scored 16 goals, but nearly half of them came in transition. Kansas City creates pressure for the opposition in dangerous spots that force mistakes and then they capitalize on those mistakes with a swift and calm demeanor.


Yes, they have the talent to score in possession or through direct link-up play with the targets, but the transition game is where they excel.




Leo Acosta emerged from the series as one of the Comets' shining stars thanks to his four goals and two assists. With six total points, he’s already a third of the way to matching his total output of 18 points from last season. This could very easily be a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old, as his rapid, dynamic nature fits perfectly within Stokic’s system.




In goal, Phillip Ejimadu stood on his head with a series of ridiculous saves that kept his side comfortable in both contests. Alongside his combined 78% save percentage, the former LAFC goalkeeper registered a pair of assists showing his eye for the transition game as well.


This weekend, the Comets will travel to Milwaukee for another fierce rivalry game. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:05 PM EST live on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Time to regroup for the Ambush

By far the offseason’s winners, St. Louis splashed the cash to build an experienced and well-rounded lineup. While their first tests resulted in two losses, it is still way too early to write this team off.


The Ambush came out flat in game one, conceded five straight goals, and failed to adjust to their surroundings at any point in the match. For a home opener and a rivalry game at that, it looked admittedly bleak, but game two showed much more promise, even without the likes of Uzi Tayou and Mohamed Ndiaye.




St. Louis capitalized on an early power play to take the lead and despite conceding twice, continued to restore their advantage into the break. Their 3-2 advantage didn’t last long into the third quarter as the Comets' half-time adjustments paid off in the form of six goals for and just one against.


On the surface, the results need to change, but for the Ambush, more focus should be on the team’s identity. Against the Comets, St. Louis failed to build any tangible momentum and struggled to create shooting opportunities as evidenced by their eight total shots in the second half of game two.




The roster’s talent was abundantly clear, and several players had impressive showings, especially new signing Julio Varela, who bagged two goals and an assist. When, not if, they find their rhythm, their other key pieces including Franck Tayou, William Eskay, and Lucas Almeida will see their form jump too.


Head coach Jeff Locker and his side will have much reflecting to do during their two-week break until they host the Milwaukee Wave at The Family Arena on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:05 PM EST.

Golazos and Wallascoras are so back it’s unreal

Just as the first falling leaf signifies the end of summer, the first Wallascora means the MASL is well and truly back. Yes, Leo Acosta may have scored the first official goal of 2024/25, but the season officially started in my book when Lesia Thetsane’s long-range strike found its home in the top corner of Paulo Nascimento’s net. We have never been more back.




If one banger wasn’t enough, Thetsane doubled up in game two with another stunning strike from distance. Enjoy.




The chaotic nature of indoor soccer lends itself beautifully to these outrageous, audacious, and frankly absurd goals. For that reason, on this long weekend marked by a holiday dedicated to that very concept, we are eternally grateful.