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MASL Milwaukee Wave

Wave Look to Get Back on Track Friday Night in Kansas City

January 16, 2020 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Milwaukee Wave News Release


In just their second meeting this season between Midwest rivals, the Milwaukee Wave travel to Independence, Missouri to take on the Kansas City Comets Friday night.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05pm CST from Silverstein Eye Centers Arena.

The Wave own the sole victory against the Comets this season, winning by a score of 8-3 on the road on January 4th, the Wave's first victory of the new decade. The game was punctuated by Wave hat tricks from both Alex Bradley and team captain Ian Bennett. Despite their victory last time against Kansas City,

Wave Coach Giuliano Olivero made no bones about how serious every game between the two teams has been since the Comets joined the Major Indoor Soccer League in 2010. "We had a lot of success against them early," Olivero said, "but since (Kansas City) winning a championship in 2014, they have really found their way and there was a period of about two to three years where they were the better team, but we managed to regain control recently, especially head-to-head last year, knocking them out of the playoffs."

Coach Olivero was referring to last year's South Central (now renamed the Eastern) Division final, which saw the Wave sweep the Comets 2 games to none and outscore them 15 to 5 in said playoff series matchup.

The Wave have tall task ahead of them as the matchup Friday night will be followed by a quick turnaround in the form of a Monday home game at 11:07 am.

Coach isn't too worried about the game Monday though, saying that "the players are used to it because it's been this way for them since entering the league, and the advantage of the second game is that it will be at home."

The Comets enter the game on a one game winning streak with a 14-6 win over the Orlando SeaWolves. Kansas City currently stand with a 4-5 record and sixth place in the Eastern Division.

The Wave (6-2) meanwhile, are hoping to regroup after an 8-7 overtime loss to the St. Louis Ambush at home on January 12. The Wave played from behind throughout most of the matchup, eventually rallying and taking the lead briefly in the fourth period. The comeback was made possible through the use of Angel Curiel as a sixth attacker throughout most of the second half. Coach Olivero expressed confidence in his starting goalie Rafael "Rafa" Diaz, stating the risk was necessary and he had confidence in their ability to play with a sixth attacker. "Rafa has played great and got us all six of our wins this season" said Olivero and gave credit to Rafa for going with the flow of the game situation. Diaz has started every game for the Wave in net this year, allowing just 28 goals all season, leading a team that as a whole has allowed just 29 total goals against, leading the MASL.

From the scoring perspective Luan Oliveira has been the hot foot for the Wave, scoring a goal in his last six games, and with 13 goals total Oliveira is second only to the captain Ian Bennett (14) for most goals on the Wave. Max Ferdinand leads the Wave in points with 18 (6 goals and 12 assists).

The Wave enter with one of the best power plays in the MASL with 12 power play goals, second only to the undefeated Monterrey Flash. The Wave also hold a 75% penalty kill which should be able to handle Kansas City's slightly below average power play which has 5 goals in 12 power play attempts.

The Wave are currently tied for second place in the Eastern Division and are undefeated (5-0) on the road this season. Kickoff for Milwaukee's first of a doubleheader against Kansas City is set for Friday January 17 at 7:05 pm.

The rematch between the Wave and the Comets will take place on Monday at 11:07 am at the UW Panther Arena. Don't miss your opportunity watch great soccer on your day off with your family and don't forget to join us on the field after the game to meet the players!

For tickets and more information visit MilwaukeeWave.com.

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