December 10, 2022 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Milwaukee Wave News Release
After a tumultuous, injury riddled 21/22 season, the 7-time champion Milwaukee Wave are ready to get back at it Saturday night at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena against division rivals, the St. Louis Ambush.
“It’s very exciting to be where we are right now as a team,” said Milwaukee Wave Head Coach Giuliano Oliviero. “We are in a much better place then where we were last year at this time. The young guys are very good. Our veteran players are very good. It’ll be fun to watch how everything plays out this season.”
A featured newcomer is goalkeeper Will Banahene, bringing from the Harrisburg Heat a well-earned reputation as one of the top shot-stoppers in the MASL.
Fans will be glad to once again see Wave stalwart and MASL League MVP Ian Bennett return to lead the offense, coming off a season where he scored 50 goals in 24 regular season games. Also returning is Marcio Leite, veteran of 15 seasons, four championships, and able to play any and all positions on the field.
Shoring up the Wave defense is Stuart Grable, a reliable mainstay equipped with relentless energy and speed. Andrew Wiedabach will be back after being out due to injury last year three games into the season — all Wave victories in which he had notable impact.
A breakout rookie last season, Javi Steinwasher returns with experience under his belt and high expectations. Meanwhile, a familiar face — and new dad — Luan Oliveira is back to hold down the midfield. A new addition to the Wave, though a seasoned MASL veteran, Ben Ramin brings experience to the Wave defense.
Derek Huffman — aka “Huff the Stuff” — returns to the Wave for his third season after being sidelined much of the last campaign due to injury and suspension, and fan-favorite chest-thumper Andre Hayne is back to shore up the forward line. All the way from the UK, Alex Bradley — who rebounded from last season’s knee injury to help power the Wave to the playoffs — is back to shut down opponents regardless of size and speed. And, the Wave’s “calming presence” Daniel Mattos is back to work his magic on the attacking part of the field.
Milwaukee Wave vs. St. Louis Ambush at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Saturday December 10th at 6:05pm.
Tickets are available at MilwaukeeWave.com or at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Box Office prior to the game.
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