The Kansas City Comets were a professional indoor soccer team based for most of its existence in Kansas City, Missouri. They played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL; later the Major Soccer League) from 1979–1991, when they folded. They played their home games in Kemper Arena.
The team originated as the Detroit Lightning, which joined the MISL as an expansion team in the 1979–1980 season. After a year in Detroit the team relocated to San Francisco, California, becoming the San Francisco Fog. They moved to Kansas City in 1981, where they remained for ten years. In Kansas City the team went to the league playoffs seven times, advancing to the division finals three times.
History
In 1979 the Major Indoor Soccer League placed an expansion franchise in Detroit, Michigan. The team, then known as the Detroit Lightning, failed to make the playoffs, and at the end of the season were purchased by entrepreneur David Schoenstadt, later the founder of Discovery Zone. Schoenstadt relocated the team to San Francisco, California, where they were renamed the San Francisco Fog. They again failed to make the playoffs in the 1980–1981 season, and Schoenstadt moved the team once more, this time to Kansas City, Missouri, rebranding them the Kansas City Comets.
The Comets failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 1981–1982 season, but were thereafter consistent playoff contenders, making a total of seven playoff appearances in ten seasons. They advanced to the quarterfinals in 1985, the division semifinals in 1987, and the division finals in 1988, 1990, and 1991. They had enjoyed a strong attendance in their early years, but ticket sales declined later in their run, dropping from an average high of 15,786 in the 1983–1984 season to a low of 7,103 in the 1990–1991 season. Though they finished second in the league in their last two seasons of operations, the Comets could not withstand the drop in revenue, and folded at the end of the 1990–1991 season.
The Comets were followed the next season by the Kansas City Attack of the National Professional Soccer League; this team was known as the "Kansas City Comets" from 2001–2005. In 2010 the Missouri Comets, based in nearby Independence, joined the new Major Indoor Soccer League, carrying on the legacy of the original Comets.
Stars and fan favorites included Enzo Di Pede, Billy Gazonas, Gino Schiraldi, Greg Makowski, Victor Petroni, Jan Goossens, Damir Haramina, Kia, Dale Mitchell, Alan Mayer, Zoran Savic, Jim Schwab, Gordon Hill, Tasso Koutsoukos, Manny Schwartz, David Doyle, Barry Wallace, Tim Clark, Elson Seale, Yilmaz Orhan, and Ty Keough as well as coaches Pat McBride and Rick Benben.
Ownership
- Dr. David Schoenstadt (1979–87)
- Kansas City Comets, Inc. (1987–91)
Staff
- Dick Berg General manager
- Peter Simon Public Relations Director
- Brad Jacobs Marketing Director
- Tim Leiweke – General Manager (1981–84) President (1986–88)
Coaching staff
Head coaches
Terry Fisher (1979–80)- Johnny Moore (1980–81)
- Luis Dabo (1981) 2 Wins 7 Losses
- Pat McBride (1981–84) 63 Wins 80 Losses (Postseason: 2 Wins 5 Losses/No Series Wins, 2 Series Losses)
- Rick Benben (1984–87) 47 Wins 57 Losses (Postseason: 2 Wins 3 Losses/1 Series Win, 1 Series Loss)
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Niki Nikolic (1987-Interim) 1 Win 3 Losses.svg.png.webp)
Dave Clements (1987–91) 124 Wins 111 Losses (Postseason: 18 wins 16 Losses/3 Series Wins, 4 Series Losses)
Assistants
- Johnny Moore (1981)
- Tony Simoes (1981–82)
- Rick Benben (1982–84)
- Billy Gazonas (1984–86)
- Niki Nikolic (1986–87)
Tony Glavin (1988–89)
Year-by-year
Detroit Lightning
| Year | League | Record | Reg. season | Playoffs | Avg. attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979–80 | MISL | 15–17 | 3rd Central Division | 1st Round | 3,520 |
San Francisco Fog
| Year | League | Record | Reg. season | Playoffs | Avg. attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980–81 | MISL | 11–29 | 4th West | Failed to Qualify | 4,588 |
Kansas City Comets
| Year | Division | League | Reg. season | Playoffs | Avg. attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981–82 | Western | MISL | 6th | did not qualify | 11,058 |
| 1982–83 | Western | MISL | 3rd | 1st Round | 14,692 |
| 1983–84 | Western | MISL | 4th | 1st Round | 15,786 |
| 1984–85 | Western | MISL | 4th | Quarterfinals | 12,917 |
| 1985–86 | Western | MISL | 5th | did not qualify | 12,428 |
| 1986–87 | Western | MISL | 2nd | Division Semifinals | 12,447 |
| 1987–88 | Western | MISL | 3rd | Division Finals | 11,211 |
| 1988–89 | N/A | MISL | 7th | did not qualify | 9,228 |
| 1989–90 | Eastern | MISL | 2nd | Division Finals | 10,475 |
| 1990–91 | Eastern | MSL | 2nd | Division Finals | 7,103 |
Honors
Rookie of the Year
- 1986: Dave Boncek
- 1988: David Doyle
Coach of the Year
- 1983: Pat McBride
Players
San Francisco Fog Roster
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Kansas City Comets
Marco Antonio Abascal (1981–82) 7 Apps 1 Goal 0 Assists
Laurie Abrahams (1985–86) 55 Apps 38 Goals 35 Assists- Tom Alioto (1982–84) 26 Apps 1 Goal 6 Assists
- Gary Amlong (1981–83) 68 Apps 9 Goals 15 Assists
- Ed Anibal (1989–90) 38 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Chad Ashton (1990–91) 44 Apps 9 Goals 11 Assists
- John Bain (1986–87) 43 Apps 26 Goals 27 Assists
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Mike Bakic (1981–82) 20 Apps 10 Goals 4 Assists- Boris Bandov (1983–85) 34 Apps 1 Goal 6 Assists
- Nebo Bandovic (1989–90) 5 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Petar Baralic (1984–85) 17 Apps 5 Goals 6 Assists
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Porfirio Armando Betancourt (1987–88) 48 Apps 5 Goals 8 Assists- David Boncek (1985–90) 230 Apps 36 Goals 21 Assists
- Barney Boyce (1981–82) 3 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Bob Bozada (1982–83) 22 Apps 1 Goal 1 Assist
- David Brcic (1989) GK-16 Apps 8 wins 8 losses
- Cliff Brown (1983–84) GK-4 Apps 1 Win 2 Losses
Jens Busk (1986–87) 13 Apps 1 Goal 4 Assists- David Butler (1981–82) 15 Apps 8 Goals 5 Assists
Cacho (1986–88) 40 Apps 10 Goals 8 Assists- Charlie Carey (1982–83; 1984–85) 92 Apps 36 Goals 19 Assists
Gerald "Magic" Celestin (1981–82) 12 Apps 2 Goals 1 Assist- John Cerin (1985) 3 Apps 1 Goal 0 Assists
Engin Cinar (1981–82) 1 App 0 Goals 0 Assists- Tim Clark (1982–87) 191 Apps 20 Goals 38 Assists
- Gary Collier (1987) 25 Apps 0 Goals 1 Assist
Graziano Cornolo (1983–84) 26 Apps 5 Goals 3 Assists- Stan Cummins (1988–89) 48 Apps 6 Goals 15 Assists
Val DeSouza (1981–82) 48 Apps 12 Goals 8 Assists- Angelo DiBernardo (1985–86) 48 Apps 22 Goals 17 Assists
- Zoran Dimitrijević (1986) 8 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Enzo Di Pede (1981–86) GK-114 Apps 39 Wins 65 Losses
John Dolinsky (1981–82) 20 Apps 4 Goals 5 Assists- Mike Dowler (1989–91) GK 57 Apps 29 Wins 26 Losses
David Doyle (1987–91) 132 Apps 79 Goals 38 Assists- Chris Duke (1989–91) 71 Apps 2 Goals 2 Assists
- Ted Eck (1988–91) 100 Apps 38 Goals 26 Assists
- Jorge Espinoza (1986–87) 47 Apps 7 Goals 3 Assists
- Charlie Fajkus (1984–87) 120 Apps 57 Goals 49 Assists
- Ivair Ferreira (1981–82) 14 Apps 5 Goals 3 Assists
- Miguel Filardo (1981–82) 7 Apps 2 Goals 0 Assists
- Joe Filla (1981–83) 40 Apps 3 Goals 6 Assists
- Iain Fraser (1986–91) 206 Apps 19 Goals 31 Assists
- Mark Frederickson (1981–85) 153 Apps 38 Goals 33 Assists
- Keith Fulk (1985–86) 13 Apps 0 Goals 2 Assists
- Keith Furphy (1985–86) 29 Apps 22 Goals 17 Assists
- Scott Gaither (1990–91) 1 App 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Pedro Gano (1981–82) 7 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Billy Gazonas (1982–84) 55 Apps 9 Goals 13 Assists
- George Gibbs (1981–82) 7 Apps 0 Goals 2 Assists
- Ed Gettemeier (1986–89) GK-51 Apps 21 Wins 31 Losses
- Tony Glavin (1988–89; 1990–91) 29 Apps 4 Goals 4 Assists
Jan Goossens (1986–91) 227 Apps 221 Goals 237 Assists- Jim Gorsek (1989–91) GK-48 Apps 27 Wins 19 Losses
- Gerry Gray (1989–90) 12 Apps 3 Goals 6 Assists
- Warren Green (1981–82) 1 App 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Charley Greene (1986–88) 93 Apps 21 Goals 20 Assists
- Clive Griffiths (1981–85) 112 Apps 2 Goals 20 Assists
Albert Guðmundsson (1982–83) 11 Apps 1 Goal 1 Assist
Winston Hackett (1981–82) 8 Apps 2 Goals 2 Assists- Kevin Handlan (1981–85) 129 Apps 15 Goals 17 Assists
- Damir Haramina (1985–89) 143 Apps 111 Goals 65 Assists
- John Hayes (1983–84) 41 Apps 12 Goals 12 Assists
- Gordon Hill (1983–84) 49 Apps 50 Goals 28 Assists
- Austin Hudson (1981–82) 2 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Chris Hundelt (1987–88) 20 Apps 3 Goals 4 Assists
- Kevin Hundelt (1988–91) 143 Apps 43 Goals 30 Assists
- Greg Ion (1988–90) 99 Apps 48 Goals 33 Assists
Emilio John (1981–82) 7 Apps 2 Goals 0 Assists
Michel Kaham (1986) 7 Apps 0 Goals 1 Assist- Tom Kain (1986–91) 129 Apps 12 Goals 14 Assists
- Chris Kenny (1988–89) 46 Apps 4 Goals 5 Assists
- Ty Keough (1985–86) 41 Apps 2 Goals 1 Assist
- John Klein (1990–91) 34 Apps 4 Goals 10 Assists
- Tasso Koutsoukos (1983–86, 1987–88) 180 Apps 98 Goals 84 Assists
- Jeff Kraft (1987) 1 App 1 Goal 1 Assist
- Art Kramer (1981–82) 15 Apps 7 Goals 4 Assists
- Jorgen Kristensen (1986–87) 17 Apps 5 Goals 10 Assists
- Stuart Lee (1982–83; 1985–86) 82 Apps 39 Goals 27 Assists
- Mark Liveric (1984–85) 9 Apps 3 Goals 5 Assists
- Duncan MacEwan (1986–87) 25 Apps 3 Goals 1 Assist
- Greg Makowski (1982–85) 136 Apps 65 Goals 83 Assists
- Nick Mangione (19841-85) 28 Apps 9 Goals 4 Assists
- Patricio Margetic (1986–87) 69 Apps 36 Goals 48 Assists
- Mark Mathews (1990–91) 14 Apps 1 Goal 0 Assists
- Arnie Mausser (1985) GK-1 App 1 Win 0 Losses
- Alan Mayer (1985–89) GK-116 Apps 56 Wins 55 Losses
- Billy McKeon (1982–84) 20 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Doug McLagan (1989–91) 67 Apps 12 Goals 10 Assists
- Keith Meyer (1986) 15 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Dale Mitchell (1985–90) 248 Apps 212 Goals 147 Assists
- Johnny Moore (1981) 1 Apps 1 Goal 0 Assists
- Louie Nanchoff (1987) 27 Apps 14 Goals 16 Assists
- Doug Neely (1989–91) 95 Apps 18 Goals 21 Assists
- Johan Neeskens (1985–86) 27 Apps 1 Goal 2 Assists
- Niki Nikolic (1984) 6 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Pat Occhiuto (1981–82) 15 Apps 0 Goals 1 Assist
- Damian Ogunsuyi (1981–82) 10 Apps 5 Goals 4 Assists
- Mike O'Mara (1981) 9 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
Yilmaz Orhan (1981–83; 1986) 76 Apps 63 Goals 40 Assists- Steve Pecher (1984–85) 54 Apps 6 Goals 16 Assists
- Paul Peschisolido (1990–91) 43 Apps 24 Goals 11 Assists
- Victor Petroni (1981–83) GK-44 Apps 21 Wins 18 Losses
- Iubo Petrovic (1981–82) 25 Apps 15 Goals 18 Assists
- Ben Popoola (1981–82) 25 Apps 11 Goals 7 Assists
- Frank Rasmussen (1987–88) 21 Apps 1 Goal 5 Assists
- Claudio Rocha (1981–82) 9 Apps 3 Goals 2 Assists
- Kim Roentved (1987–91) 158 Apps 57 Goals 82 Assists
- Emilio Romero (1981–82) 17 Apps 5 Goals 5 Assists
- Owen Rose (1981–82) 11 Apps 0 Goals 1 Assist
- Edmond Rugova (1986–87) 14 Apps 1 Goal 1 Assist
- Carlos Salguero (1981–82; 1984–86) 86 Apps 38 Goals 30 Assists (Deceased)
- Len Salvemini (1981–82) 42 Apps 6 Goals 15 Assists
- Dave Sarachan (1981–82) 11 Apps 3 Goals 0 Assists
- Zoran Savic (1981–84) 110 Apps 70 Goals 44 Assists
- Gino Schiraldi (1981–91) 389 Apps 75 Goals 82 Assists
- Larry Schmidgall (1981–82) 16 Apps 3 Goals 1 Assist
- Ray Schnettgoecke (1981–82) 5 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Jim Schwab (1985–88; 1990–91) 116 Apps 15 Goals 20 Assists
Manny Schwartz (1983–86) GK-54 Apps 24 Wins 31 Losses- Elson Seale (1982–85) 117 Apps 56 Goals 40 Assists
- Silvio (1981–82) 3 Apps 0 Goals 2 Assists
- Tony Simoes (1981–82) 3 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Rick Snyder (1990–91) 15 Apps 0 Goals 1 Assist
- Craig Stahl (1981–84) 36 Apps 10 Goals 5 Assists
- Shane Steadman (1988–89) 3 Apps 1 Goal 0 Assists
- John Stremlau (1983–84) 39 Apps 9 Goals 9 Assists
- Benny Tabak (1984–85) 44 Apps 18 Goals 16 Assists
- Jim Tietjens (1983–84) GK-7 Apps 2 Wins 4 Losses
- Larry Tukis (1988) GK-1 App 0 Wins 1 Loss
- Tim Twellman (1983–86) 88 Apps 11 Goals 26 Assists
- Tim Tyma (1981–82) 4 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Carl Valentine (1990–91) 48 Apps 27 Goals 26 Assists
- Greg Villa (1982–83) 51 Apps 26 Goals 17 Assists
- Barry Wallace (1987–90) 107 Apps 50 Goals 39 Assists (Deceased)
- Tonnie Wareman (1987–88) 23 Apps 5 Goals 5 Assists
- Martin Zimmerman (1986) 1 App 0 Goals 0 Assists
- Mickey Zivaljevic (1983–84) 1 App 0 Goals 0 Assists
Kia Zolgharnain (1987–90) 104 Apps 66 Goals 37 Assists
