Wave United Join A-League
January 23, 2003 - A-League (A-League) News Release
MILWAUKEE, WI â In a press conference in Milwaukee today, it was announced that the Milwaukee Wave of the Major Indoor Soccer League has expanded to include a new team in the A-League by the name of Milwaukee Wave United.
The Milwaukee Wave organization acquired the A-League franchise territory rights relinquished by the former two-time A-League champion Milwaukee Rampage. The Wave United take the place of the Rampage after current owner Nick Schimpf was unable to continue operating the team due to health and financial concerns. Upon acquiring the territory rights from USL, Rampage player contracts were re-assigned to the Wave United. In addition, the Wave United will take the Rampage's place as an entrant in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
"We are excited about the opportunity to join the A-League and look forward to continuing the success the Rampage brought to the Milwaukee soccer market," said Tim Krause, Wave President and CEO.
A consistent MISL leader in attendance at close to 8,000 fans per game, the Milwaukee Wave indoor club has seen tremendous success on the field of late reaching the league final in four of the last five seasons, winning three championships.
"We are proud to announce the solution of a difficult situation regarding the operation of the Rampage and extremely pleased that solution gives us the opportunity to work with the Milwaukee Wave organization," said Dave Askinas, USL Executive Director and COO. "The Wave have a long history of presenting a terrific, fan-friendly soccer experience to the Milwaukee soccer community. It is our expectation that they will be able to bring the same professionalism to the outdoor game they have demonstrated indoors for so many years. USL firmly believes that the Wave offers the best opportunity for long-term stability and success for USL soccer in Milwaukee and we look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship with Tim Krause and the entire Wave organization.
"We commend the former ownership and management of the Rampage for their ability to build a winning team. Their dedication to the sport will not be forgotten. Success in sports however is often difficult to sustain regardless of the product on the field. Knowing Milwaukee was an outstanding soccer market, we looked at many options to continue our presence and the Wave were enthusiastic about working with us to find a way to resolve the situation."
The Wave United will move closer to the city of Milwaukee and return to play at one of the Rampage's former homes, Uihlein Park.
"The Rampage organization has perennially fielded one of the elite teams in the A-League and conducted itself with class on and off the field, thus their widely respected coaching and administrative staff will be missed," said Tim Holt, A-League Director of Operations. "However, the entire A-League family is excited to welcome the Wave, a franchise that has set the standard in terms of success and longevity in North American professional soccer."
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A-League Stories from January 23, 2003
- USL releases 2003 A-League schedule - A-League
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- Riverhawks announce 2003 schedule - Cincinnati Riverhawks
- Wave Acquires A-League Team - Milwaukee Wave United
- Wave United Join A-League - A-League
- Riverhawks set to play Crew in exhibition game - Cincinnati Riverhawks
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