A playoff-type atmosphere was definitely felt inside Panther Arena Friday night when two playoff-bound teams met for the only time this season.
San Diego would open the scoring early into the second quarter when Leo De Oliviera found the side netting, giving San Diego the 1-0 lead.
Salvador Nunez would equalize a few short minutes later, assisted by Alex Sanchez, leveling the score at 1.
The second half would begin with San Diego taking the lead when Drew Ruggles strike from behind the yellow line and beat the unsuspecting Willie B.
A boarding penalty for the Wave would result in a powerplay goal by Brandon Escoto shortly after giving San Diego the 3-1 lead going into the 4th.
Milwaukee’s Javi Steinwascher would bring Milwaukee within one midway through the 4th.
Milwaukee would implement the 6th attacker late, but San Diego was able to survive and secure the 3-2 victory.
Coach Giuliano stated “I thought we were the better team overall, but it was a great game, and it comes down to execution, you know they were one goal better than us in that department. We created enough chances to win the game. We missed out on a powerplay, I can’t fault the guys effort, but execution in the final third was the difference in this game”
The Wave will now travel to Monterrey for the final game of the regular season on Sunday.
