Wizards: Davy Arnaud interview 10/21

Talked with Davy about the disappointment with this being the last game and thoughts on next year and the long road trip...


Davy taking a shot in a recent practice...

Podcast: Byline 2 Backpost - 10/20/2010

The latest podcast is now available.

We discuss the expansion draft rules, several previous games as well as the final game, players and the Missouri Comets...

Get it from iTunes

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Posterous

Missouri Comets players stretching after practice...

Comets: Vlatko Andonovski interview

I talked with Vlatko Andonovski, Comets assistant coach. I will have to talk to him more through the season...

Comets: Olly Dyson interview

I though Olly looked good in practice so I talked to him briefly after practice.

Comets: Bryan Perez interview

Bryan Perez is the UMKC school record holder in goals (29), points (70), shots (160) and games played (78). He signed with Miami FC after school and is now with the Comets. I talked to him after practice Tuesday...,

Comets: turf installation

I stopped by the Independence Events Center Tuesday to see how the installation of the turf was going.

The turf is spread out over the ice so it can adjust the temperature before cutting...


The bench area...


Think these scraps might end up as a souvenir?

Comets: Nate Houser interview 10/19/2010

Talked with Nate Houser after practice yesterday. It had just been officially announced that he had signed the day before. He will still coach at Baker while playing for the Comets. He brings a wealth of experience both playing and coaching to the team. While nobody has announced it, I am expecting it will be announced that he is the team captain as well.



From a scrimmage on Monday:

Houser got the ball in the corner, was blocked by keeper Pardo...


Houser patiently possessed the ball until he had help and crossed it to an oncoming team mate (just out of shot) for an excellent scoring opportunity...

Boris Pardo interview - 10/18/2010

I talked with Boris yesterday before it was announced that he and Nate Houser were the latest two players to sign. Boris is a very good goalie who is extremely strong with his feet. He is very capable of playing in the field if needed and would be a great goalie to have on the power play or in a sixth attacker situation.

He was formerly with the Wizards and is still the goalkeeper coach for the Wizards juniors. He was always one of my favorites with the Wizards because of his great work ethic and attitude. Congrats Boris!!!

Coach Roentved interview - 10/18/2010

Talked with Coach after the first practice of training camp. He talks a bit about signing Nate Houser and the start of camp.

Comets: Danny Waltman interview

The first day of Comets camp was Monday and it was my first opportunity to see Waltman in action. I was really impressed with his reactions and speed (all of which are needed to play indoor). He made save after save during the scrimmages. There were sequences where I could not keep count on the number of saves he made in just a few seconds.

Since it was the first time I saw him it was also my first chance to interview him. I think he will quickly become a fan favorite...

Comets training camp list

This is the most current list I could obtain of players that will be attending the Missouri Comets training camp. It is not the full list as it is my understanding that there is two more players that have signed but have not been announced yet. Most Kansas City fans will recognize at least one of those players.

Players invited to training camp:
Olly Dyson - M: St Louis Lions
Brian Harris - M: St Louis Lions
Boris Pardo - G: Kansas City Wizards
Bryan Perez - M: Miami FC, UMKC
Levi Coleman - F: Charleston Battery, UMKC
Tony Avery - M: Colorado predators, UMKC
Jeff Davis - D: KC Attack, St Louis, SLU (?)
Mirsad Dzillic - F: KC Kings, Park University
Matt Iverson - M: Graceland
James Katajwa - F: Park University
Chaz O’Dell - M: KC Brass, Maple Woods CC
Lucas Rodriguez - M: KC Brass, MidAmerica Nazarene
John Calfas - from open tryouts
Jamie Harding - Wichita Wings (?)
Stefan Stokic - KC Kings, NJ Ironmen (?)
Drew Ducker - M: Detroit Ignition,

Players that are already signed:
Luis Guilheme Navega Dias (Tiguinho) - M: Brazil (?)
Geison Mauro - M: Rockford Rampage
Daniel Waltman - G: Detroit Ignition,
Worteh Sampson - F: Detroit Ignition,
Leo Gibson, Forward: Philly Kixx
Vahid Assadpour, M: Detroit Ignition

I plan on attending the first day or two of training camp. Are there any players in particular that I should interview?

Comets sign Gibson, Assadpour

The Missouri Comets announced they have signed Leo Gibson and Vahid Assadpour. This brings the total number to 6 of the 20 available player slots.

Leo Gibson, Forward: Born in Monrovia, Liberia, this speedy forward played last season with the Rockford Rampage of the MISL, and before that, Gibson racked up 15 points in only nine games playing for the MISL’s Philadelphia KIXX. Gibson was a key contributor to the Detroit Ignition’s Xtreme Soccer League title run during the 2008-2009 season, registering eight goals and eight assists. Gibson played college soccer at King College in Tennessee. Gibson has signed a one year contract.

Vahid Assadpour, Midfielder: Born in Toronto, Canada, Assadpour played his college soccer at Detroit Mercy University. He was the leading scorer and assist leader on the Detroit Ignition’s Xtreme Soccer League championship team during the 2008-2009 season. The season prior, Assadpour led the ignition’s rookie class with 15 points in 21 regular season games. Assadpour has signed a two year contract.

“Gibson is lightening quick with a knack for finding the back of the net, and Vahid is as steady as they come and a fierce competitor,” said head coach, Kim Roentved.