WAVE DOWNS DALLAS AGAIN SUNDAY NIGHT

by Milwaukee Wave

After securing their spot in the playoffs against Dallas yesterday, the seven-time champion Milwaukee Wave is ready to make it eight. The Dallas Sidekicks and the Milwaukee Wave traveled last night from Dallas to face each other again at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. In their meeting yesterday, the score racked up to an impressive 11-4, Wave. Players to watch tonight were Alex Bradley after his hat trick yesterday and William Banahene who finished the game with 18 saves. While their last meeting ended with a great goal differential, the Milwaukee Wave was ready to take this game as if it determined their playoff standing again.Determination was the key player in the first quarter. Alvarez and Nunez lead the team with physical plays and intensity on the offensive end. Early shots were fired and could be defined as close calls. The Milwaukee Wave claimed nearly 75% of all balls in the air and held majority possession. After bouncing from the wall to a player's feet to the keeper’s hands, Troy Morrison, #40, had the last Wave-touch before the ball crossed the line. After the Sidekicks’ keeper took too many touches, Marcio Leite, #77, slid the ball to Derek Huffman, #9, who shot the ball past all six Sidekicks players. At this point, the Sidekicks’ coach was gifted two yellows that were upgraded to a red card and a complimentary escort off the field. The second quarter saw two Wave goals from Alex Sanchez, #80, and Alex Bradley, #14, as well as three Sidekicks goals leaving the end of the half at a 4-4 tie.Competition only boiled over half time. Salvador Nunez and Mario Alvarez each took a far post swing, sinking it past the keeper and into the net. There was a lot of physical play that led to a free kick at the top of the arch that Marcio Leite, #77, tapped to Javier Steinwascher, #97, who sunk it in for the advantageous 7-6, Wave. Troy Morrison, #40, appeared again with an amazing back-heel into the net. The third quarter brought Derek Huffman a breakaway opportunity that was fully used. Salvador Nunez, #29, followed behind with two consecutive goals after an impressive defensive act that prevented two different Sidekicks from scoring opportunities. This impressive feat brought him his first career hat trick. Marcio Leite, #77, finally found the back of the net after numerous opportunities had escaped him earlier in the game. Ben Ramin, #2, looked to the crowd with his hands up encouraging more noise. To round it out, Taylor Pill, #, and Javier Steinwascher, #97, each found a goal in the fourth quarter. After the final Wave goal, both teams called the game short and walked out the clock, shaking hands.“We knew it wasn't going to be easy. Coming out with 10 second-half goals, I’m really happy for the guys.”. Said Head Coach Giuliano Oliviero The Milwaukee Wave Hardest Working Player of the Game was awarded to Salvador Nunez. Nunez showed an impressive effort today with three goals and two incredible blocks. “We know what he’s capable of, we’ve seen it all season. When you do it in practice, eventually it’s going to come out in the game. I’m very happy for him.” said Head Coach Giuliano Oliviero.On Sunday, March 26th, the Wave welcome St. Louis Ambush for their final regular season home game at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The game will start with a kickoff at 1:05 pm CT.Tickets are on sale at MilwaukeeWave.com or at the Box Office prior to the game.To round out the regular season, Milwaukee Wave will travel to the San Diego Pechanga Arena on March 30th to play the San Diego Sockers for the first time this season. For the final game, the Wave will head to the Harrisburg Farm Complex to challenge the Harrisburg Heat, also for the first time this season.