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XSL Milwaukee Wave

Marcio Leite signs new 2-year deal with Wave

August 28, 2009 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
Milwaukee Wave News Release


MILWAUKEE (Aug. 28, 2009) - Brazilian midfielder/forward Marcio Leite signed a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Wave on Thursday, becoming the first player to sign a contract as the team moves into the National Indoor Soccer League.

Leite, 25, racked up 130 points (7 3PG, 35 2PG, 39 A) in his first 55 games over two seasons. He was named to the Major Indoor Soccer League All-Rookie team in 2006-07 and was second-team All-MISL in 2007-08.

The first player signed to a contract in the Xtreme Soccer League last season, Leite was lost for the year with a knee injury in the very first practice of the 2008-09 season. He remained active in the community through public appearances and coaching for the Lake Country United soccer club, but is eager to resume his career with the Wave this season.

"I'm very excited about Marcio being our first signing," said Wave Head Coach Keith Tozer. "We certainly missed his point production last season.

"It's an exciting day for the Wave as we roll into a new season with a new league and a new owner."

Prior to joining the Wave, Leite played professional futsal in his home country. He played with Malwee, one of the top futsal clubs in the world, where he was a teammate of Falcao, widely recognized as the best player in the world.

He quickly established himself in American with a speed and skill combination possessed by few players in indoor soccer. Leite was primed for a huge season in 2008-09 before suffering a torn knee ligament on a harmless-looking challenge in a practice session.

"I've got full confidence in my knee; I'm not scared of anything anymore," said Leite, who plays for the amateur Croatian Soccer Club outdoors. "It's just a matter of getting my fitness back. Everything else feels great."

Leite remembers well the day last December when the diagnosis was confirmed; he was in tears in the car yet drove to Uihlein Soccer Park to participate in the team's photo session. There's a much different reaction when you ask him about the day this June when doctors released him to play again.

"I think I called all the guys, and the next day we got together to play some 3 v 3 at Brookfield Indoor," Leite said, smiling at the memory. "I was scared, but it was so good to go out and play again."

The Milwaukee Wave professional indoor soccer team is the longest-running soccer franchise in continuous operation in North America. The team celebrated its Silver Anniversary last season, and operates the largest summer soccer camp program in Wisconsin. For more information, visit milwaukeewave.com

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