Comets set for midweek matchup with Strykers

by Nathan Dunn

Kansas City Comets vs Empire Strykers

MASL Regular Season

Wednesday, February 28 — 9:05 p.m. CT

Where | Toyota Arena - Ontario, California

The Kansas City Comets (9-6-4) are in search of a second straight road win on Wednesday as they visit the Empire Strykers (3-12-1) at Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA.

The Comets are looking to extend their eight-point lead as the final playoff qualifier in the East, but that lead can quickly dissipate with the Baltimore Blast having played four fewer games.

They defeated the San Diego Sockers on Sunday by a final of 9-4 as the Comets closed out their time in the "Grand Ol' Arena" in spectacular fashion with a five-goal victory. Rian Marques shined with a hat trick and an assist while Lucas Sousa tallied two goals and two assists.

It hasn't been the most productive season for Sousa, but he is starting to heat up with seven points in the last four games. Forward Zach Reget has scored in four straight and leads the East with 25 goals, trailing league leader Luiz Morales by one.

Winning two of their last three games, the Comets' defense has been a big difference recently. They have kept their opponents to four goals or less in each of the recent three-game stretch.

The Comets will be without Henry Ramirez (left thigh strain), Lalo Alonso (right thigh strain) and Leo Gibson (undisclosed) while Jacob Garza (left knee strain) and Zach Reget (right knee contusion) are both probable.

The Comets are 4-5-1 away from home this season and 2-1 on the road against Western Conference opponents with wins over San Diego and Texas but a loss in Chihuahua.

The all-time series is 4-4 when the Comets and Strykers meet. In the Comets' 2022 visit to Ontario, they fell 8-5. The Comets did take the 8-2 win earlier this month with a commanding win at Cable Dahmer Arena.

The Strykers face a tall task to make the playoffs, currently sitting 13 points back of Tacoma. Led by first-year head coach Paul Wright, the Strykers are looking to keep building towards the future.

One major bright spot for Empire has been the addition of World Cup veteran Marco Fabian. Fabian has scored in every game he's played and is the favorite to win Newcomer of the Year as he sits near the leaderboards in scoring with 20 goals and 11 assists.

Justin Stinson is Empire's other key contributor offensively with 14 goals and 11 assists. Veteran Israel Sesay helps handle the Strykers' defense with the help of ex-Comet Adam James.

The Strykers will be without Anthony Wright as he serves a one-game suspension. They will also be without Andy Nuñez, Anthony Arico, Lucas Roque and Walter Diaz while Anthony Wright.

Following Wednesday's matchup, the Comets return home for Retro Night on Saturday against the St. Louis Ambush, featuring an auction to win autographed retro jerseys. Tickets for Saturday's matchup are available at kccomets.com/tickets.