Wichita, KS — In a close match, Wichita (7-18) dropped to the Missouri Comets (12-13) with a 15-11 loss Sunday afternoon in the Independence Events Center. The victory for the Comets earned them a 4-2 win of the season series and a spot in postseason play, which was secured by a late goal from Vahid Assadpour.

   Freddy Moojen led the Wings with the first two goals of the afternoon off an assist from Danny Villegas and again off a restart assisted by Tiguinho to give the Wings an early 4-0 start. Villegas came back later  in the quarter to add a goal of his own and shut out the Comets with a 6-0 lead for the Wings.

  Missouri came out hot in the second quarter, jumpstarting their comeback with back-to-back goals from Brian Harris and Jeff Hughes to cut the Wings lead to a single point. Harris continued the Comets’ streak by hitting his second three-point goal, allowing Missouri to take an 8-6 lead. Penalties plagued the Wings defense including a blue and yellow card to Brady Bryant and a delay of game penalty for Chris Lemons, which created a huge challenge for Wichita. Despite the penalties, the Wings held on to prevent the Comets from extending their lead before halftime.

 In a changeup in goal with Nicolas Martinez replacing Sanaldo, the Wings charged back determined to comeback early with several great shots. Danny Waltman produced several great saves for the Comets until Andrew Hoxie was finally able to convert on the equalizer with an assist from Kareem Yearwood to leave both clubs even at 8 apiece.

Victor Quiroz continued the Wings’ comeback efforts by opening the final quarter with a significant three-point goal to steal the lead, leaving Wichita ahead, 11-8.  Hughes halted Wichita’s run by converting on his second goal of the night and trimming the Comets’ deficit to one point. After Wichita placed the sixth attacker late in the quarter, Assadpour struck a three-point goal to give Missouri a 15-11 lead and a win to secure a playoff spot in MISL post-season play.

   The Wings finish off season play on the road against the Milwaukee Wave on Sunday, March 3rd at 3:10 p.m. (CST). The match can be viewed on www.uslnation.com/misl or at the Wichita Wings official watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings on North Rock Road. For more information on the Wings visit www.wichitawingsindoorsoccer.com or follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wings).

-WE ARE WICHITA-