March 26, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Milwaukee Wave News Release
After back-to-back games against the Dallas Sidekicks, the seven-time champion Milwaukee Wave faces St. Louis Ambush for seed placing in the Playoffs. Prior to kick-off, the Wave held 39 points just above Baltimore Blast with 38, and Florida Tropics with 34. The Eastern division is neck and neck; every goal counts when it comes down to it. St. Louis Ambush is currently second to last in the division with 25 points but has not yet been eliminated from the playoffs. Both teams entered this game with a need for goals.
Final Score: Milwaukee Wave 5, St. Louis Ambush 4
Tension could be felt Sunday. St. Louis Ambush scored early on taking the first quarter 1-0, Ambush. The second quarter brought an early goal by #97, Salvador Nunez, a rookie becoming quite familiar with his scoring routine clocking in a hat trick last week. Following the Wave’s first goal was the team of Mario Alvarez, #77, the Wave player with the highest number of assists, 18, this season, and #26, Ian Bennett. The pair brought the end of the half to an advantage, 2-1, Wave.
When the opportunity presented itself, Alex Sanchez, #80, took the Milwaukee Wave’s freekick rather than the usual Marcio Leite. Sanchez found his way around the keeper unassisted and brought the game to 3-1, Wave. Ian Bennett saw his second after numerous shots on goal from the Wave offense. He rounded out the half 4-2, Wave. Knocking in another, Ian Bennett soared into his hat trick leaving the game 5-3, Wave. The Ambush did not leave their energy or motivation at home as they kept neck and neck, responding to Ian Bennett’s third with their fourth, 5-4, Wave.
“We want to put on a good show. Today had a playoff atmosphere, not only from the crowd but also from both teams, doing their best to get the result,” said Head Coach Giuliano Oliviero. “We’re going in on top, but we want players rested for the playoffs. We want to win at least one of these games to guarantee home field.” On the rookie players making big moves this season, Coach Oliviero said, “from a coaching standpoint it’s awesome. We’re getting results and winning games, and these guys are getting so much valuable experience. Not only this season but for the future of their indoor game.”.
“Playoff atmosphere, we had a game to play, a job to do, it wasn’t personal, it was just business.”. The Milwaukee Wave Hardest Working Player of the Game was given to Ian Bennett with his three…