UCFC FALLS TO KC COMETS SUNDAY

Utica City FC jumped out to an early lead, but a decisive scoring run from the Kansas City Comets proved too much to overcome as UCFC fell 11–5 on Sunday.

Junior Pinal opened the scoring in style, rising up to finish a beautiful header that gave Utica City an early 1–0 advantage. Kansas City quickly responded with back-to-back goals from Stefan Mijatovic and Guerrero Pino to take a 2–1 lead.

UCFC answered back when Barbaro Shelier capitalized on a rebound to level the match at 2–2, and Mehrshad Ahmadi followed with a goal of his own to put Utica City back in front, 3–2. From there, momentum swung heavily in favor of Kansas City, as the Comets rattled off six unanswered goals to build an 8–3 lead.

Pinal struck again in the third quarter for his second goal of the night, providing a spark for UCFC. The teams traded goals later in the quarter, including a last-minute tally from Cole Stephens that closed the third quarter with Kansas City ahead 9–5.

Utica City had a prime opportunity to cut into the deficit early in the fourth quarter, going on the power play with 12 minutes remaining, but was unable to convert. The fourth quarter remained mostly scoreless until Kansas City added two late empty-net goals to seal the result.

Utica City FC will look to regroup and respond as they prepare for their next game on the 28th against the Milwaukee Wave.