COMETS SIGN VETERAN PAIR

KANSAS CITY (Oct. 30, 2019) – The Comets have brought back two veterans, Stefan Stokic and Robert Kelly. Stokic, the 34-year-old from Serbia, has signed a one-year-deal, while Kelly, the 23-year-old homegrown product, has signed on for two more years. Per team and league policy, no other details of the contracts are available.

Stokic has been with the franchise since its rebirth in 2010, and he sits on the leader board for multiple all-time categories, including atop the franchise’s list for blocks. He is one of few remaining Comets who were around for the 2013/2014 Major Indoor Soccer League championship run, and he wants to help the team return to glory.

“I’ve been here 10 years, and I want to leave the field knowing the Comets, the team and the franchise, are moving the way they used to be. I’m looking forward to a new season and getting back to winning ways,” Stokic said.

“Stefan has been with the Comets for all 10 seasons. I’m proud that he gets to accomplish that goal. Stefan is the definition of a consummate professional, willing to do anything the staff asks. His veteran leadership will be needed this season,” Comets managing partner Brian Budzinski said.

Since graduating from Rockhurst High School, Kelly’s soccer career has taken him all over, first to Tulsa, then San Francisco State and Cloud County Community College, and eventually the Comets. He appeared in just two games his rookie season, but now that he’s settled back in Kansas City, assisting the Avila University women, he hopes to take on a bigger role.

“I’m really excited to get back into it and learn from the older guys, and I’m looking to really get some more playing time, especially at home in front of some family and friends,” Kelly said.

“Robert’s had some unfortunate setbacks in his young career. I look for those to be in the past as he will hopefully establish himself with this contract. Two things you know about a Kelly, is they are going to train hard and tackle even harder.”

Kelly and Stokic will begin pre-season training camp with the rest of the squad next week. The first chance to catch them on home turf is the Nov. 30 home opener against the St. Louis Ambush at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. For tickets and information call 888-9-COMETS (266387)