The Major Indoor Soccer League announced today that Milwaukee Wave defender Josh Rife has been named the league’s Player of the Week for the 11th week of the 2012-13 season. Rife had three goals and seven points in the Wave’s two victories last week, including the overtime game-winner in their 10-8 victory against the Baltimore Blast on Saturday night.
Rife had scored just four points this season entering the weekend, but had a pair of goals as the Wave took an impressive 18-6 victory against the Missouri Comets last Thursday. While naturally a defender, Rife capitalized on a more advanced position on the Wave’s power play, with all three of his goals against the Comets and Blast coming with a man advantage.
Rife helped the Wave take their first lead of the game in their win against the Blast on Saturday night, setting up fellow Team of the Week selection Ian Bennett for his second goal, giving Milwaukee a 6-4 lead. Rife was in the penalty box late in the fourth quarter as the Blast tied the game, but redeemed himself as a power play for the Wave carried into the overtime period, finishing from close range 40 seconds into the extra session to move his side into first place in the MISL standings.
MISL Team of the Week
|
Pos.
|
Player
|
Team
|
Highlights
|
|
GK
|
Sanaldo
|
Wichita
|
Had an 18-save performance as Wings edged Comets
|
|
D
|
Josh Rife
|
Milwaukee
|
Seven-point week capped by overtime winner vs. Blast
|
|
D
|
Marcos Chantel
|
Syracuse
|
First goal of season was game-winner vs. Lancers
|
|
M
|
Carlos Farias
|
Chicago
|
3-pointer capped six-point night in win over Baltimore
|
|
F
|
Mauricio Salles
|
Rochester
|
Four-goal game was almost enough against Silver Knights
|
|
F
|
Ian Bennett
|
Milwaukee
|
Four-point night was key to Wave’s win against Blast
|
Honorable Mention – Baltimore: Tony Donatelli; Chicago: Fred Degand, Jeff Richey; Milwaukee: Luan Oliveira, Marcelo Fontana; Missouri: Leo Gibson; Rochester: Rey Martinez; Syracuse: Nate Bourdeau, Neto; Wichita: Andre Berenzon, Victor Quiroz.
The Wave play back to back games against Chicago next week. They first head out on the road on Friday for a 7:30 pm game. The Wave will be taking a fan bus down to Chicago. For $25 Wave fans will receive one ticket to the game and a spot on the bus. Then on Saturday January 19th the Soul come to the U.S. Cellular Arena for a 6 pm game. Tickets are available at www.milwaukeewave.com or by calling 414.224.9283.
Milwaukee Wave
The Milwaukee Wave professional indoor soccer team is the longest-running professional soccer team in the country. The Wave completed their 28th season by winning their sixth Major Indoor Soccer League championship. Their summer camp program is the largest team-operated program in the country. For more information about the Milwaukee Wave, visit milwaukeewave.com or call 414-224-9283.
MISL
USL acquired the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in May, 2011 and -began operating North America’s most storied and tradition-rich professional indoor soccer league for the 2011-12 season. The MISL represents the top level of professional indoor soccer in North America and currently consists of seven franchises. The league roster includes franchises in Baltimore, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Rochester, Syracuse and Wichita. MISL Public Relations - Jay Preble / Nicholas Murray / Seth Witkowicz - Tampa, FL - 813.963.3909 - Twitter: @MISLSoccer
United Soccer Leagues
The USL has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (Super Y-League/Super-20 League), continuing through the amateur level (PDL/W-League) and up to the professional level, both outdoor and indoor (USL PRO/MISL). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.
