MKE WAVE ADDS TWO NEW LOCAL PLAYERS

The Milwaukee Wave has announced the signing of local players, Midfielder J.C. Banks and Defender Tony Walls.

Both Banks and Walls have signed to a two-year contract with the team.

“I think JC will bring so much to our midfield, he is a great technical player with all the physical dimensions and the speed. He can shoot and create goal opportunities for us along with scoring on his own. He is a wonderful addition to our team, and I can see him being a big part of our midfield,” said Head Coach Keith Tozer.

In 2012, Banks’ played for the Rochester Rhinos, a USL Pro team, where he posted one of the best seasons for midfielder for the club. He led USL Pro in assists with 8, added 5 goals to equal a team leading 18 points and was honored with the club’s Offensive Player of the Year and Rhinos Most Valuable Player. To go along with his team honors, he earned league honors in being selected for First Team All-USL PRO. 

Prior to his successful 2012 season with the Rhinos, in 2011 Banks won Rhinos 2011 Rookie of the Year Award.

Banks’ and Walls both played three seasons together at University of Wisconsin- Green Bay (2007-2010).  During Banks’ senior year, he finished with 12 goals and 30 points, which ranked him 12th and 13th in the nation.

J.C. Banks is the son of Milwaukee Wave Hall of Famer, Jimmy Banks, who also played for the U.S. Men’s National Team in the 1990 FIFA World Cup and is currently Head Coach of Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Men’s Soccer Program.

“I am excited and honored to be playing on the same team my father played on back in the day,” said J.C. Banks.

Tony Walls returns to his home state, he was born and raised in Wauwatosa, WI and played his college career at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (2007- 2011). He made 75 appearances tailing 18 goals and 11 assists. During his senior year, he was named the Horizon League Player of the Year.

“It’s cool to be a part of a program with such great rich tradition,” said Tony Walls. “To obviously play in my home town and get to play in front of a lot of family and friends, along with JC who I have played with for a while, it’s exciting”

In 2012, Walls played one season with the Chicago Fire of (MLS) Major League Soccer and was selected in the 3rd round of the January MLS Supplemental Draft. 

“Tony is the kind of defender we all love, he is strong, tough and doesn’t shy away from contact and at the same time is a technical player who is very good with the ball. He also has a great shot when coming out of the back, which is a great addition,” says Head Coach Keith Tozer.

The Milwaukee Wave opens up the Regular Season on the road against the Missouri Comets on Saturday, November 16th at 7:35pm. The Home Opener at U.S. Cellular Arena on Saturday, December 7th at 6:00pm, features, “A Salute to Our Armed Forces”, a post-game concert by Grammy Nominated Rock Band, “Daughtry” and brings defending MISL Champions Baltimore Blast to town. Season, Single-Game and Group Tickets are available by calling 414.224.WAVE (9283) or visit www.MilwaukeeWave.com