December 15, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Kansas City Comets News Release
The Comets have added some defensive and midfield depth through the addition of three new players. Defender Chase Peterson, midfielder Antonio De La Torre and defender Erik Pereira all join the Comets on one-year deals. Per league and team policies, the terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Peterson joins the Comets as a local standout. The Platte County High School graduate earned All-State honors after helping the Pirates to a 26-2 record his senior season and second-place finish in the 2019 Missouri Class 3 State Tournament.
“I’m grateful to be given this opportunity to be playing for this team,” the defender said. “They have not only welcomed me with open arms but have made me very excited to play in front of the fans, my family and friends.”
Peterson stayed local to play collegiate soccer at Park University. He featured in 24 games with the Park Pirates and scored three goals with an assist.
De La Torre signs after being drafted by the Comets in the second round of the 2023 MASL Pro Player Combine. The midfielder previously played for MASL 2 expansion club Kansas Bandits, where he tallied a team-high 21 points from 13 goals and eight assists in nine games last season.
“I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to play for this team and its fans,” said De La Torre, who scored two goals last week with Comets MASL 2 affiliate Iowa Raptors FC. “It’s been a great experience being here with the Comets. I wish to keep improving to help the team and play to the best of my ability.”
De La Torre remained in his hometown of Dodge City, Kansas, to play collegiately at Fort Hays State University. In five seasons as a Tiger, he logged over 3,000 minutes across 62 games, recording 11 goals and seven assists and was a two-time all-conference winner. He also helped Dodge City High School win a state title in an undefeated season.
Pereira has signed with the Comets after playing last season with the St. Louis Ambush. He played in five games with the Ambush in his rookie campaign and joins a Comets defense that has been stellar the first three games of the season.
“I am very thrilled and honored to be part of this great organization. I cannot wait to play in front of these amazing fans,” Pereira said.
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Pereira played collegiately at Young Harris College in Georgia and Waldorf University in Iowa. Pereira also has experience in MASL 3, PASL and…