The Kansas City Comets were a professional

indoor soccer Indoor soccer or arena soccer is a form of five-a-side football, five-a-side or six-a-side version of minifootball. It is derived from association football and adapted to be played in walled hardcourt indoor arenas. It differs from the FIFA, FIFA ...

team based for most of its existence in

Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri, abbreviated KC or KCMO, is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri by List of cities in Missouri, population and area. The city lies within Jackson County, Missouri, Jackson, Clay County, Missouri, Clay, and Pl ...

. 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 Hy-Vee Arena, previously known as Kemper Arena, is an indoor arena located in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to conversion to a youth sports and community gymnasium facility, Kemper Arena was previously a 19,500-seat professional sports arena. It ...

. The team originated as the

Detroit Lightning The Detroit Lightning was a Major Indoor Soccer League franchise which existed for only one season, 1979–1980. The Lightning finished that season at 15–17. The team's home arena was Cobo Arena. On May 28, 1980, at the end of the 1979–1980 ...

, which joined the MISL as an

expansion team An expansion team is a new team in a sports league, usually from a city that has not hosted a team in that league before, formed with the intention of satisfying the demand for a local team from a population in a new area. Sporting leagues also ...

in the 1979–1980 season. After a year in

Detroit Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...

the team relocated to

San Francisco, California San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, Financial District, San Francisco, financial, and Culture of San Francisco, cultural center of Northern California. With a population of 827,526 residents as of ...

, becoming the

San Francisco Fog Fog is a common weather phenomenon in the San Francisco Bay Area and the entire coastline of California extending south to the northwest coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The frequency of fog and low-lying stratus clouds is due to a co ...

. 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 Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...

. The team, then known as the

, failed to make the playoffs, and at the end of the season were purchased by entrepreneur David Schoenstadt, later the founder of

Discovery Zone Discovery Zone (DZ) was an American chain of entertainment facilities featuring games and elaborate indoor mazes designed for young children, including roller slides, climbing play structures, and ball pits. It also featured arcade games. A t ...

. Schoenstadt relocated the team to

, where they were renamed the

. They again failed to make the playoffs in the 1980–1981 season, and Schoenstadt moved the team once more, this time to

, 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 year 1985 was designated as the International Youth Year by the United Nations. Events January * January 1 ** The Internet's Domain Name System is created. ** Greenland withdraws from the European Economic Community as a result of a n ...

, the division semifinals in

1987 Events January * January 1 – Bolivia reintroduces the Boliviano currency. * January 2 – Chadian–Libyan conflict – Battle of Fada: The Military of Chad, Chadian army destroys a Libyan armoured brigade. * January 3 – Afghan leader ...

, and the division finals in

1988 1988 was a crucial year in the early history of the Internet—it was the year of the first well-known computer virus, the Morris worm, 1988 Internet worm. The first permanent intercontinental Internet link was made between the United State ...

1990 Important events of 1990 include the Reunification of Germany and the unification of Yemen, the formal beginning of the Human Genome Project (finished in 2003), the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the separation of Namibia from South ...

, and

1991 It was the final year of the Cold War, which had begun in 1947. During the year, the Soviet Union Dissolution of the Soviet Union, collapsed, leaving Post-soviet states, fifteen sovereign republics and the Commonwealth of Independent State ...

. 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 The Kansas City Attack, previously the Atlanta Attack and later known as the Kansas City Comets, were an indoor soccer team based for most of its existence in Kansas City, Missouri. In its various incarnations the franchise played in the National ...

of the National Professional Soccer League; this team was known as the "Kansas City Comets" from 2001–2005. In 2010 the

Missouri Comets The Kansas City Comets are an American professional indoor soccer team based in the Kansas City metropolitan area that competes in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Originally called the Missouri Comets, the team joined the Major Indoor S ...

, based in nearby

Independence Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state, in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the status of ...

, joined the new Major Indoor Soccer League, carrying on the legacy of the original Comets. Stars and fan favorites included

Enzo Di Pede Enzo Di Pede (born January 3, 1957) is a retired Italian-born Goalkeeper (association football), goalkeeper who played in the North American Soccer League (1968), North American Soccer League and the original Major Indoor Soccer League (1978–19 ...

, Billy Gazonas, Gino Schiraldi, Greg Makowski, Victor Petroni, Jan Goossens, Damir Haramina, Kia, Dale Mitchell,

Alan Mayer Alan Mayer (born July 3, 1952) is an American retired soccer goalkeeper. He played professionally in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League and earned six caps with the United States men's national soccer team. In 2019 ...

, Zoran Savic,

Jim Schwab Jim Schwab is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League. He coached the Kansas City Attack to the 1997 NPSL championship and has coached the Johnson ...

, Gordon Hill,

Tasso Koutsoukos Tasso Koutsoukos (born April 4, 195is a retired Canadian soccer player who played professionally in the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League and Canadian Soccer League. He also coached in the Montreal Impact in the National ...

, Manny Schwartz, David Doyle, Barry Wallace, Tim Clark,

Elson Seale Elson Seale is a Barbados-American soccer forward who played in the North American Soccer League, American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League. He is currently an independent businessman in the Kansas City area. Seale attended Columb ...

, Yilmaz Orhan, and Ty Keough as well as coaches

Pat McBride Patrick McBride (November 13, 1943 – December 11, 2024) was an American soccer midfielder and indoor soccer coach. He earned five cap (sports), caps with the United States men's national soccer team, U.S. national team and is a member of the Na ...

and Rick Benben.

Ownership

* Dr. David Schoenstadt (1979–87) * Kansas City Comets, Inc. (1987–91)

Staff

Dick Berg Richard Berg (February 16, 1922 – September 1, 2009) was an American screenwriter as well as a film and television producer. Among his credits is the 1985 miniseries ''Space'' and ''Wallenberg: A Hero's Story''. Biography Berg was born in ...

General manager * Peter Simon Public Relations Director * Brad Jacobs Marketing Director *

Tim Leiweke Timothy J. Leiweke (born April 21, 1957) is an American businessman who is the chief executive officer of Oak View Group. He was the former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and the former president and CEO of Anschutz ...

– 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 *

(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) * Niki Nikolic (1987-Interim) 1 Win 3 Losses * 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

San Francisco Fog

Kansas City Comets

Honors

Rookie of the Year * 1986: Dave Boncek * 1988: David Doyle Coach of the Year * 1983: Pat McBride

Players

San Francisco Fog Roster

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 (1982–1984) 26 Apps 1 Goal 6 Assists * Gary Amlong (1981–1983) 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 *

Mike Bakic Mike may refer to: Animals * Mike (cat), cat and guardian of the British Museum * Mike the Headless Chicken, chicken that lived for 18 months after his head had been cut off * Mike (chimpanzee), a chimpanzee featured in several books and document ...

(1981–82) 20 Apps 10 Goals 4 Assists * Boris Bandov (1983–1985) 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 *

Porfirio Armando Betancourt Porfirio Armando Betancourt Carranza (10 October 1957 – 28 July 2021) was a Honduran professional Association football, footballer. Youth Born in La Lima, Lima, Honduras, Betancourt grew up in a soccer family. His father, Porfirio Betancour ...

(1987–88) 48 Apps 5 Goals 8 Assists * David Boncek (1985–1990) 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 (1986–1988) 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 (1982–1987) 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 *

(1981–1986) GK-114 Apps 39 Wins 65 Losses * John Dolinsky (1981–82) 20 Apps 4 Goals 5 Assists *

Mike Dowler Mike Dowler (born 12 October 1957) is a Welsh retired professional football goalkeeper (association football), goalkeeper. He spent most of his career in the U.S. indoor leagues where he was named the 1995 Continental Indoor Soccer League Goalkee ...

(1989–1991) GK 57 Apps 29 Wins 26 Losses * David Doyle (1987–1991) 132 Apps 79 Goals 38 Assists * Chris Duke (1989–1991) 71 Apps 2 Goals 2 Assists * Ted Eck (1988–1991) 100 Apps 38 Goals 26 Assists * Jorge Espinoza (1986–87) 47 Apps 7 Goals 3 Assists * Charlie Fajkus (1984–1987) 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 (1981–1983) 40 Apps 3 Goals 6 Assists * Iain Fraser (1986–91) 206 Apps 19 Goals 31 Assists * Mark Frederickson (1981–1985) 153 Apps 38 Goals 33 Assists * Keith Fulk (1985–86) 13 Apps 0 Goals 2 Assists *

Keith Furphy Keith Furphy (born 30 July 1958) is an English-American former professional footballer who played forward or winger, spending most of his career in the United States. He played four seasons in the North American Soccer League, seven in the M ...

(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 (1982–1984) 55 Apps 9 Goals 13 Assists * George Gibbs (1981–82) 7 Apps 0 Goals 2 Assists * Ed Gettemeier (1986–1989) GK-51 Apps 21 Wins 31 Losses * Tony Glavin (1988–89; 1990–91) 29 Apps 4 Goals 4 Assists * Jan Goossens (1986–1991) 227 Apps 221 Goals 237 Assists * Jim Gorsek (1989–1991) 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 (1986–1988) 93 Apps 21 Goals 20 Assists * Clive Griffiths (1981–1985) 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 (1981–1985) 129 Apps 15 Goals 17 Assists * Damir Haramina (1985–1989) 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 (1988–1991) 143 Apps 43 Goals 30 Assists *

Greg Ion Gregory Stewart Ion (born March 12, 1963, in Vancouver) is a Canadian retired soccer midfielder. Professional The son of Gordie Ion, Ion graduated from Burnaby North Secondary School. In 1981, the Portland Timbers selected him in the first r ...

(1988–1990) 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 Tom Kain (born July 1, 1963) was the director of sports marketing at Nike. He is also a retired U.S. soccer midfielder. He played collegiate soccer at the Duke University where he was named as the top collegiate player winner in the 1985 Hermann ...

(1986–1991) 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 *

(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 Mirko "Mark" Liveric (; born August 16, 1953) is an American retired Association football, soccer Striker (association football), forward who spent eight years in the North American Soccer League (1968-1984), North American Soccer League and se ...

(1984–85) 9 Apps 3 Goals 5 Assists * Duncan MacEwan (1986–87) 25 Apps 3 Goals 1 Assist * Greg Makowski (1982–1985) 136 Apps 65 Goals 83 Assists * Nick Mangione (1981-1985) 28 Apps 9 Goals 4 Assists *

Patricio Margetic Patricio "Pato" Germán Margetic (born May 17, 1960, in Avellaneda, Argentina) is a former Argentina, Argentine Association football, footballer. He began his career in Argentina before playing five seasons in the North American Soccer League (19 ...

(1986–87) 69 Apps 36 Goals 48 Assists * Mark Mathews (1990–91) 14 Apps 1 Goal 0 Assists *

Arnie Mausser Arnold "Arnie" Mausser (born February 28, 1954) is an American former soccer goalkeeper who played with eight different NASL teams from 1975 to 1984. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Mausser may be considered one of the fin ...

(1985) GK-1 App 1 Win 0 Losses *

(1985–1989) GK-116 Apps 56 Wins 55 Losses * Billy McKeon (1982–84) 20 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists * Doug McLagan (1989–1991) 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 (1989–1991) 95 Apps 18 Goals 21 Assists *

Johan Neeskens RCH may stand for: * Radio Club de Honduras, an amateur radio organization * Railway Clearing House, the British financial clearing house and technical standards bureau for railways * The Royal Canadian Hussars (Montreal), a unit of the Canadian ...

(1985–86) 27 Apps 1 Goal 2 Assists * Niki Nikolic (1984) 6 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists *

Pat Occhiuto Pat Occhiuto is a retired Italian-American soccer forward who played professionally in the American Soccer League, United Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League. Occhiuto attended Erie Community Co ...

(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 (1981–1983; 1986) 76 Apps 63 Goals 40 Assists *

Steve Pecher Steve Pecher (born St. Louis, Missouri) is an American former soccer defender who is currently the President of St Louis Scott Gallagher. Youth and college Pecher began playing soccer with the youth club, Florissant Cougars, then with his high ...

(1984–85) 54 Apps 6 Goals 16 Assists *

Paul Peschisolido Paolo Pasquale Peschisolido (born 25 May 1971) is a Canadian former soccer player and coach. Peschisolido was coach of English League Two club Burton Albion from May 2009 until March 2012. A forward, Peschisolido began his career in the Ca ...

(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 (1987–1991) 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 Len Salvemini (born July 22, 1953, in Danville, California) is a retired American soccer player who spent three season in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Career In 1971, Salvemini graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory where he set the ...

(1981–82) 42 Apps 6 Goals 15 Assists *

Dave Sarachan Dave Sarachan (born June 7, 1954) is an American former soccer player and coach. Sarachan spent two seasons as a player in the North American Soccer League and four in Major Indoor Soccer League before retiring in 1982. Since then, he has coa ...

(1981–82) 11 Apps 3 Goals 0 Assists * Zoran Savic (1981–1884) 110 Apps 70 Goals 44 Assists * Gino Schiraldi (1981–1991) 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 *

(1985–1988; 1990–91) 116 Apps 15 Goals 20 Assists * Manny Schwartz (1983–1986) GK-54 Apps 24 Wins 31 Losses *

(1982–1985) 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 Richard Dale Snyder (born August 19, 1958) is an American business executive, venture capitalist, attorney, accountant, and politician who served as the 48th governor of Michigan from 2011 to 2019. Snyder, who was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, ...

(1990–91) 15 Apps 0 Goals 1 Assist * Craig Stahl (1981–1984) 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 Timothy Twellman (born May 1, 1955) is an American former soccer player who spent seven years in the North American Soccer League and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also earned one cap with the U.S. national team in 1982. After reti ...

(1983–1986) 88 Apps 11 Goals 26 Assists * Tim Tyma (1981–82) 4 Apps 0 Goals 0 Assists *

Carl Valentine Carl Howard Valentine (born 4 July 1958) is a former professional soccer player and coach who has had a long association with soccer in the Vancouver area. Born in England, he played for the Canada national team at international level. He wa ...

(1990–91) 48 Apps 27 Goals 26 Assists * Greg Villa (1982–83) 51 Apps 26 Goals 17 Assists * Barry Wallace (1987–1990) 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

External links

San Francisco Fog

San Francisco Fog Roster

Fog logo

Kansas City Comets

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kansas City Comets (1979-91) Defunct indoor soccer clubs in the United States Major Indoor Soccer League (1978–1992) teams C Association football clubs established in 1979 Association football clubs disestablished in 1991 1979 establishments in Missouri 1991 disestablishments in Missouri