Fire Expels Wave United from Tournament
August 7, 2003 - A-League (A-League)
Milwaukee Wave United News Release
(Milwaukee, WI) â The Chicago Fire, aided by a 29th minute ejection of Milwaukee defender Chad Dombrowski, overcame an early Wave United goal to defeat Milwaukee 4-1 Wednesday night (8/6) in a Fourth Round match of the 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. A rain-soaked crowd of 3,773 endured a 45-minute delay prior to kick-off to see the MLS Fire avenge last year's setback to a Milwaukee A-League side in the round of 16. With the win, Chicago advances to the quarterfinals to take on the Colorado Rapids on August 27 at Cardinal Stadium in Naperville, IL.
Wave United got off to a quick start in the second minute when Greg Howes scored at the far post off a feed from John Ball. Ball had gotten behind the Chicago defense on a pass from Todd Dusosky and found Howes on a run to his left. It was the sixth time in seven games that Howes has scored at least one goal.
Chicago answered 12 minutes later when Chris Armas scored from eight yards out on a touch from Nate Jaqua. Jaqua was battling a defender for possession inside the box when his touch found Armas cutting through to the left post.
The game took an ominous turn for Milwaukee in the 29th minute when rookie defender Chad Dombrowski drew his second yellow card on late tackle of DeMarcus Beasley. Dombrowski, who was issued his first caution on a trip against Beasley in the 17th minute, was issued a red card for his second caution leaving Wave United a man down for the rest of the match.
The Fire quickly took advantage as Ante Razov scored from the middle of the box on an assist from Justin Mapp. Mapp's feed found Razov at the edge of the box, and the latter made two great moves on his defender to fire a shot past Milwaukee goalkeeper Jim Larkin from 12 yards out.
Chicago continued to press with the man advantage and scored again in the 61st minute when Evan Whitfield took a pass from Razov and hammered a left-footer past Larkin from 15 yards out. Second half substitute Dipsy Selolwane capped off the scoring in the 80th minute when he converted from 10 yards away on a corner kick that was headed across by Jacqua.
The Fire out-shot Wave United 25-8 for the contest, including a 14-1 advantage in the second half. Winning goalkeeper Henry Ring finished with three saves, while Larkin posted seven for Milwaukee in 68 minutes. Jeff Richey, who finished up in the nets for Wave United, was also credited with one save.
Milwaukee returns to A-League action this Saturday (8/9, 4:05 PM CDT) when it battles Team Calgary at Foothills Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. Wave United's next home game is Wednesday, August 13, 7:35 PM when it hosts the Cincinnati Riverhawks. Tickets for all Wave United home games can be purchased at the Wave / Wave United Office (1040 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee), the Uihlein Soccer Park Ticket Office (7101 W. Good Hope Rd. on Milwaukee's northwest side), all TicketMaster outlets, or through phone charge at 414-276-4545. Group rate discounts are available through the Wave Office; call 414-224-WAVE (9283).
All games home and away can be heard on 540 AM, WRRD ("The Word") with air time 20 minutes prior to kick-off. Call the Wave / Wave United Office at 414-224-WAVE (9283) for more information or visit www.milwaukeewaveunited.com.
• Discuss this story on the A-League message board...
A-League Stories from August 7, 2003
- Wave United adds Chris Morman, Pat White, and Marcelo Fontana - Milwaukee Wave United
- Blast return to Fox Sports World Tomorrow - Indiana Blast
- Fire Expels Wave United from Tournament - Milwaukee Wave United
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
