Wings Look to Rebound against Comets
January 10, 2013 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Wichita Wings News Release
Wichita, KS. - The Wichita Wings (5-8) return home this Saturday night, January 12, for a pivotal match against the rival Missouri Comets (7-7) in Hartman Arena; Kick-off scheduled for 7:35 p.m. (CST). This will be the fifth meeting between the two clubs this season and a continuation of a fierce rivalry that reached new heights in their most recent match. The clubs played an afternoon match last Sunday, resulting in a Comets' 24-11 victory over the Wings that extended their lead in the overall series, 3-1.
Last week's match, hosted on Missouri's pitch, proved to be physical with Wichita putting up a strong effort in the first half. Two power play goals by Geison followed by a three-point goal from Tiguinho gave the Wings a 7-3 lead going in to the second quarter. The Comets responded with a goal from John Sosa and the equalizer from Stefan Stokic to even the score at 7 apiece. Geison brought Wichita back in front, completing his hat trick and giving Wichita a 9-7 advantage in the second quarter. From there on however, the game took a turn for the worse for Wichita. A second goal from Sosa combined with goals by Byron Alvarez and Stefan St. Louis rounded out a strong second quarter from Missouri, giving the Comets a 14-9 lead at the half. The rout continued a minute into the third quarter as Missouri extended its lead to 18-9. The Wings' comeback efforts were stifled with costly penalties, culminating in a red card ejection for Geison just three minutes into the third quarter. After taking a 20-9 lead into the fourth, Alvarez finished off the dominance for Missouri with two goals versus one goal by Kevin Ten Eyck to deliver a 24-11 Comets' victory over the Wings.
Despite the poor performance in this past Sunday's game, Wichita looks to regain the form displayed during their recent three game win streak which began with a 10-4 home win over Missouri. Any improved play by the Wings will have to be done without forward Geison who will miss Saturday's game due to a two game suspension for the red card received in Sunday's game. Additionally, Wichita will miss forward Matt Clare, who tore his MCL in practice and is expected to be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks. Before traveling to Wichita for Saturday's match, Missouri will host Milwaukee tonight, kick-off set for 7:35 p.m. and can be watched at www.uslnation.com/misl.
Key match-ups - Wings Defense/Home Pitch vs. Missouri Attack
The Missouri attack has been on fire against the Wings all season. Byron Alvarez continues to be the Wings' kryptonite, finishing Sunday's game with nine points, while Comets forward, John Sosa, added to the Comets' offensive firepower with five points. The Wings defense has been the key to their success this season. All five of their victories this season have come when they have held their opponents to ten points or less, and four of those five victories have come in front of their home crowd. In fact, Wichita's only victory against Missouri this season has come on their home pitch, when the Wings' defense held Byron Alvarez to just two points. Overall, Wichita has allowed close to five points per game less at home compared to on the road, which is a trend that will need to continue for Wichita in order to earn a victory on Saturday.
Players to Watch: Kevin Ten Eyck, Victor Quiroz, and Chris Lemons
The Wings' defensive efforts have been the catalyst to their success this season. Kevin Ten Eyck, Victor Quiroz and Chris Lemons are all ranked in the top seven in the league in blocked shots. The Wings' ability to regain their confidence on defense rests on their top defenders' capability to acquire blocks.
To keep up with all the latest Wings news and to purchase your tickets for the next home game on January 12th, visit www.wichitawingsindoorsoccer.com or call 316.927.3999. Be sure to follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wings).
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from January 10, 2013
- Wave's Team Approach Extends Winning Streak to Nine - Milwaukee Wave
- Lancers Welcome Syracuse to Blue Cross Arena - Rochester Lancers
- FC Kansas City Launches New Logo - Kansas City Comets
- Wings Look to Rebound against Comets - Wichita Wings
- Soul Set To Host Blast In Hopes Of Equalizing Series - Chicago Soul FC
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