March 24, 2024 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Milwaukee Wave News Release
After an exciting back and forth game against San Diego Friday at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, the 7-time champion Milwaukee Wave traveled to Monterrey, Mexico in hopes of closing out the regular season with a win and a little different of a position in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Flash got the better of them and were able to remain undefeated in the regular season.
Final Score: Milwaukee Wave 10, Monterrey Flash 15.
“Despite the two losses this weekend there are a lot of positives to take out of both of games,” said Milwaukee Wave Head Coach Giuliano Oliviero. “I thought we were the better team Friday against the Sockers and then to come into Monterrey after a long travel day, not a lot of rest; they (Flash) are sitting there waiting for us fresh with their fans behind them, it was a very hostile environment.”
Monterrey was trying to; and did become the first team in Major Arena Soccer League history to go undefeated in the regular season at 24 wins and 0 losses.
“Class ownership with Gerardo,” exclaimed Oliviero. “Great coaching with Luis Borrego, he’s going to be ‘Coach of the Year’; no weak spots in their roster either. Every game we played them this year, even if they changed the line up, there was zero weaknesses. What a great team, well deserved and not to have a hiccup all season is impressive!”
That’s not to say that Monterrey wasn’t put through their paces a few times along the way this regular season; certainly a couple of times at Panther Arena with both games against the Flash going into overtime.
“We have to go through Monterrey in the playoffs,” added Oliviero. “Why not let it be first round while this one is still fresh in our minds. It all comes down to maturity and how we manage they highs and lows of the game.”
As for the MASL Ron Newman Cup Playoffs, in the East, the Milwaukee Wave will take on the Monterrey Flash in the first round with dates to be determined. While Utica City FC will take on the Kansas City Comets with dates also to be determined.
In the West, teams continue to jockey for position with one week remaining in the MASL Regular Season.
“Moving forward if we want to beat a team like Monterrey we have to iron out some wrinkles and mistakes,” said Oliviero. “But we also have to keep our emotions in check and not them get the better of us. We’ve taken them (Monterrey) to the brink at home before and we know we can do it again; and then to come into…