MILWAUKEE WAVE TRAVEL WEST FOR BACK TO BACK MATCHES.

By Henry Amini.

The 7-Time Champion Milwaukee Wave are back on the road as they prepare to face the Tacoma Stars on Sunday before heading to Ontario to meet the Empire Strykers.

The week has been busy for the Milwaukee Wave who turn around to play back to back games on the west coast just five days after their clash for first place with the Kansas City Comets. The Tuesday morning matchup saw the Wave take a dominant 7-1 lead in the first half, ultimately proving too large a lead for the Comets to claw their way back into the game. 

“We're just gonna take it one game at a time,” Javier Steinwasher said.The Milwaukee Wave carry a three game winning streak and sit atop the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) standings. Their focus remains on what’s next: a matchup against one of the fastest teams in the MASL, the Tacoma Stars.

“Tacoma has done well this season. They are a very dangerous team in transition,” Head Coach Marcio Leite said. He has high praises for the Stars’ new look which is driven by their high pace of play and transition. They are in fifth place in the league table and will be hungry to make a push in the second half of the regular season with just one point separating them from the fourth place St. Louis Ambush. 

“It's just about playing our game, making sure that we're secure in what we play and how we play,” Max Ludwig said. The Wave have found success and some serious momentum as they enter a stretch of three away games. Superstars Alex “Saucy” Sanchez and Mario Alvarez hold the leading goal scoring and assist spots with 22 goals and 14 assists, respectively, as of Friday evening. The rookie presence of Oscar Flores has provided another stark boost to the Wave providing 16 points to their offense in what has been one of the best seasons amongst rookies in the MASL. 

Monday’s game will see the Wave meet the Empire Strykers in Ontario, California. Their style of play contrasts the Tacoma Stars, Stryker Goalkeeper Brian Orozco has the tendency to play high in possession. 

“Of course, you have to be switched on at all times. Possession or counter attacking team, It doesn't matter. It's indoor soccer,” Ludwig said. In his sophomore MASL season he understands that regardless of your offensive scheme, the game moves quickly and every moment has the potential to be highly impactful. 

“We want to maintain our position. So, we're going with the mentality that we can win these games, but at the same time, we know that we're playing away from home,” Leite said. The Wave’s expectations are to win the regular season and this road stretch will pose a significant challenge for Leite’s side before closing out the year with an advantageous six home games in the final two months. 

The Milwaukee Wave face the Tacoma Stars at accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington on Sunday, February 15 at 7:05pm CST. Watch LIVE! and for FREE! via MASLtv on YouTube.

The Wave will play the Empire Strykers the following day at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California on Monday, February 16 at 2:05pm CST. Watch on Paramount Plus / CBS Sports Golazo Network.

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