FLORIDA SNEAKS PAST WAVE 9-8 IN BACK-AND-FORTH CONTEST

by Van McNeil/Wave

A packed UWM Panther Arena was treated to a great show as It was a picture perfect start for the Wave in the first quarter as they were right in the back of the net twice in the first five minutes against the Eastern Division leading Florida Tropics.

Luan Oliveira was the first Wave goalscorer and less than 40 seconds later it was Jonnathan Pachar who pushed the Wave advantage to two. However the Tropics soon showed their class tying the game up and playing much better in the second quarter.

Gordy Gurson was able to find the back of the net after Javier Steinwascher found him on a fast break opportunity and then MASL scoring leader Ian Bennett scored giving the Wave the lead at halftime.

It was extremely difficult to separate either side as both teams were trading goals throughout the second half. The Wave led the Tropics 7-5 after goals from Alex Tozer, Luan Oliveira and Ian Bennett, but the Tropics couldn’t be denied. Forida was able to score four goals in the fourth quarter and defeat the Wave ending Milwaukee’s five game home-winning streak.

“The players played their hearts out tonight,” said Giuliano Oliviero. “I thought we were the better team and did enough to win but the Tropics are the number two team in the league for a reason. This one stings and is unfortunate.”

The Wave are on the road for the next two games Friday, March 11 @ KC and Friday, March 18 @ STL before returning home to UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena Sunday, March 20th at 1:05pm.

Tickets are available at MilwaukeeWave.com or at the Box Office prior to the game.