COMETS SIGN FORMER NAIA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

by Scott Levinson

2018 USC PLAYER OF THE YEAR GUTIERREZ 

INDEPENDENCE, MO. (March 30, 2022) – Today the Comets have announced the signing of the 2018 United Soccer Coaches NAIA Player of the Year, Adrian Gutierrez Llorente to the roster on a three-year contract as the team readies for the final two regular-season games of the season and first 2022 Ron Newman Cup Playoff game on April 12 at 7 pm at Cable Dahmer Arena. Per team and league policies, the terms of the agreement were not released.

Gutierrez, currently a volunteer assistant coach at Central Methodist University, was also named the 2018 NAIA National Player of the Year as a member of the CMU team which claimed the NAIA National Championship. Among his other collegiate accomplishments, Gutierrez was also a two-time Heart of America Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-American.

His track record of winning has the Kansas City organization buzzing as noted by Comets’ owner Brian Budzinski. “Adrian comes to us from Central Methodist University where he won a NAIA National Championship under coach Alex Nichols. Adrian is extremely comfortable in tight spaces, and he is an intelligent player who has a bright future in our game. Anytime you can add a National Champion and NAIA Player of the Year, you have to be excited,” Budzinski said.


Gutierrez, who will be wearing #21 when he suits up for the Comets, is ready to play. He said “I am very happy and excited to join the team. The guys were very welcoming since day one, and I can’t wait to step out on the field in my debut game.”

Following a road game in St. Louis on Saturday, Fans will get their chance to see Gutierrez at Cable Dahmer Arena on Sunday, April 3 at 4 pm as the Comets conclude their regular season against the Ambush.

Though the opponent isn’t known yet, the Comets will open their playoff home schedule on Tuesday, April 12 at 7pm. The team is expected to announce playoff ticket options tomorrow morning.