Thunder Stings Wave United, 2-0
August 1, 2003 - A-League (A-League)
Milwaukee Wave United News Release
(Milwaukee, WI) â The Minnesota Thunder (12-6-0, 36 points) continued its exceptional road play during the 2003 A-League season as it defeated the Milwaukee Wave United 2-0 Thursday night (7/31) at Uihlein Soccer Park. The Minnesota victory prevented Milwaukee from moving into a first place tie in the Central Division and increased the Thunder's lead in the division to six points over second place Milwaukee (10-9-0, 30 points). Despite a threatening forecast, the crowd of 1,782 enjoyed a beautiful night at Uihlein Soccer Park; unfortunately for the home town fans it was the Thunder who enjoyed the proceedings as it defeated Wave United for the second time in two visits to Milwaukee.
Minnesota capitalized on an early injury to Wave United defender Joe Hammes to score the first goal just 12 minutes into the contest. With Hammes out due to an inadvertent elbow that opened up a cut above his right eye, the Thunder scored when Marco Ferruzzi pounced on a header cross from Johnny Torres to nudge one past Milwaukee goalkeeper Jim Larkin at the right post. Hammes was out for nearly nine minutes while the Wave United medical staff repaired the wound.
Minnesota continued to carry the play until midway through the first half when Milwaukee started to create some chances. The best came in the 30th minute when Nick Walls sent Greg Howes through on the right side of the box, but Howes' shot from 12 yards out was just above the goal. That would be the theme of the night for Wave United as it launched 19 shots at goalkeeper Joe Warren but forced him to make just four saves.
Wave United continued to pressure the Thunder throughout the second half and appeared to have its best chance when substitute midfielder John Ball was taken down in the box by defender Mark Schulte. However, no penalty was awarded and Milwaukee did not get an equalizing chance from the spot.
The Thunder put a dagger into Wave United's efforts in the 80th minute when Schulte scored an unassisted goal from the top of the penalty area. The play developed after a controversial foul called against Milwaukee that resulted in a free kick for Minnesota from the top of the area. Johnny Torres' direct kick was blocked by the defensive wall, but the rebound came right back to Schulte, who blasted a low shot through a maze of bodies that left no chance for Milwaukee goalkeeper Jim Larkin to make a save.
Minnesota now leads the season series 3-2-0, with one more game remaining in Milwaukee (August 27). The series continues to go against the norm, as the home team has won just once (Minnesota on July 1) in the five games played. The Wave United loss stopped a season high four-game Milwaukee winning streak (three straight in A-League play) as well as Wave United's four-game home winning streak. Minnesota has now won four straight on the road as it improved to a league best road record to 6-1-0.
Wave United continues its home stand on Sunday, August 3, 6:05 PM when it hosts the Indiana Blast. Milwaukee will conclude the home stand on Wednesday, August 6, 7:35 PM when it entertains the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS) in a Fourth Round match of the 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Call the Wave / Wave United Office at 414-224-WAVE (9283) for tickets or more information, or visit www.milwaukeewaveunited.com.
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A-League Stories from August 1, 2003
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- Thunder Stings Wave United, 2-0 - Milwaukee Wave United
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