March 20, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Milwaukee Wave News Release
After securing their spot in the playoffs against Dallas yesterday, the seven-time champion Milwaukee Wave is ready to make it eight. The Dallas Sidekicks and the Milwaukee Wave traveled last night from Dallas to face each other again at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. In their meeting yesterday, the score racked up to an impressive 11-4, Wave. Players to watch tonight were Alex Bradley after his hat trick yesterday and William Banahene who finished the game with 18 saves. While their last meeting ended with a great goal differential, the Milwaukee Wave was ready to take this game as if it determined their playoff standing again.
Final Score: Milwaukee Wave 14, Dallas Sidekicks 8
Determination was the key player in the first quarter. Alvarez and Nunez lead the team with physical plays and intensity on the offensive end. Early shots were fired and could be defined as close calls. The Milwaukee Wave claimed nearly 75% of all balls in the air and held majority possession. After bouncing from the wall to a player’s feet to the keeper’s hands, Troy Morrison, #40, had the last Wave-touch before the ball crossed the line. After the Sidekicks’ keeper took too many touches, Marcio Leite, #77, slid the ball to Derek Huffman, #9, who shot the ball past all six Sidekicks players. At this point, the Sidekicks’ coach was gifted two yellows that were upgraded to a red card and a complimentary escort off the field. The second quarter saw two Wave goals from Alex Sanchez, #80, and Alex Bradley, #14, as well as three Sidekicks goals leaving the end of the half at a 4-4 tie.
Competition only boiled over half time. Salvador Nunez and Mario Alvarez each took a far post swing, sinking it past the keeper and into the net. There was a lot of physical play that led to a free kick at the top of the arch that Marcio Leite, #77, tapped to Javier Steinwascher, #97, who sunk it in for the advantageous 7-6, Wave. Troy Morrison, #40, appeared again with an amazing back-heel into the net. The third quarter brought Derek Huffman a breakaway opportunity that was fully used. Salvador Nunez, #29, followed behind with two consecutive goals after an impressive defensive act that prevented two different Sidekicks from scoring opportunities. This impressive feat brought him his first career hat trick. Marcio Leite, #77, finally found the back of the net after numerous opportunities had escaped him earlier in the…