MKE WAVE SOCCER EAGER FOR FRIDAY HOME OPENER AGAINST RIVAL BALTIMORE.

After splitting the weekend on the road and dropping a heartbreaker in overtime in St. Louis Sunday, the 7-time champion Milwaukee Wave are excited to return home to the legendary black turf at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena for the first time this season; but they’ll have a tough battle ahead of them, facing their main rivals; the Baltimore Blast.

“Back-to-backs are always hard,” said Milwaukee Wave Head Coach Marcio Leite. “But Baltimore; whenever we play the Blast, we know it's going to be a tough one. There is just too much quality between the two teams and too much bitter history.”

When Milwaukee takes on Baltimore; it’s always a major event, a clash of titans in indoor soccer with deep historical roots and high stakes.

Wave vs Blast Through the Years…
2004: Blast defeated the Wave at the then U.S. Cellular Arena 5-4, though the Wave took the league title that season.
2012: The Wave beat the Blast 6-5, extending their winning streak against them and took the championship that year.
2018 Playoffs: The Wave swept Baltimore in the Divisional Series to advance.
2019: The Wave won the Eastern Conference Final 2-1 against the Blast.
2023: Baltimore eliminated the Wave from the playoffs in a hard-fought series.
2024-25 Season: The rivals split the regular season series, with each team winning at home.

As for this very early 25/26 campaign; the Wave are coming off the St. Louis loss while the Blast are on a two game losing streak dropping back to back games the Tacoma Stars last weekend.

“The boys had the heavy legs on Sunday against St. Louis,” added Leite. “That would never happen if we were playing at home in front of our fans. Being at home makes everyone run a little bit more and put a little more effort. Even if you're tired, you still go.”

If anyone knows anything about this bitter rivalry, it’s Milwaukee Wave forward #24 Max Ferdinand who played with the Blast not once but twice. Max started his indoor career with Baltimore in 2009.

“I know how those guys are mentality and they don't want to lose,” exclaimed Ferdinand. “They are looking to come in here and wreak havoc but we've been training hard all week preparing. We know they will be in attack mode but playing in front of our fans always gives us that extra energy. It’ll be nice to be back home.”

Another person well versed with the Milwaukee vs. Baltimore rivalry is of course IB26; Ian Bennett. Bennett so far this season leads the team in goals with 4.

“We don't like them, they don't like us; but we respect them, right?” asked Bennett. “I think it's just going to be awesome for the fans to see this new team and this new era under Marcio (Leite). I'm excited to be back at home but we need our fans to show up, support us and get loud. We're going to blast the Blast!”

Wave games are more than just soccer. It’s fast-paced action, big goals, and a high-energy atmosphere that make every match a memorable event. Fans enjoy music, in-game entertainment, autograph sessions, and opportunities for kids to join the team on the field. “Wave games have always felt like home,” said President Shan Amini. “That spirit — the energy, the connection, the tradition — that’s what we build on. This year, we want even more fans to experience it.”

It’s Salute to Soccer Night presented by the Ambassador Hotel. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be roaming around the arena for any pictures or last minute discussions / negations. Plus, the first 1000 fans will receive a Milwaukee Wave Schedule Magnet!

Milwaukee Wave vs Baltimore Blast.
Friday, December 19, 6:35pm from UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Tickets and more information can be found at MilwaukeeWave.com

Can’t make it to the game? Watch LIVE! around the world on Paramount Plus+ / CBS Sports Goalazo Network or next day on MASLtv on YouTube.

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