WAVE TRIUMPHANT IN RETURN TO MILWAUKEE: BANAHENE AND HIS DEFENSE TAKE CHARGE NYE.

By Henry Amini

The 7-Time champion Milwaukee Wave beat the Strykers at home only conceding one goal. 

Final Score Milwaukee Wave 3 Empire Strykers 1
BOXSCORE | GAMESHEET | REPLAY

The Milwaukee Wave returned home to UW Panther Arena on Wednesday for their historic New Years Eve home game. The return to Milwaukee saw the Wave facing off against the Empire Strykers in a heart-pounding thriller in front of a roaring home crowd. 

The game played to a stalemate throughout the first quarter. It was in the second quarter when Max Ferdinand dropped the ball to Alex Steinwasher for the opening goal. The game was leveled by the Empire Strykers' sole goalscorer, Abdul Mansaray

“We made great runs and defensively we did not make mistakes, so that was crucial,” Said Head Coach Marcio Leite. The Milwaukee Wave were disciplined in this game not conceding a single second half goal. 

The Milwaukee Wave struck again when Cesar Correa scored his first goal of the season, reclaiming their lead. Alex “Saucy” Sanchez would later join the score sheet giving the Milwaukee Wave a 3-1 lead less than halfway through the third quarter. 

When defending against Onua Obasi, you’re constantly defending under the pressure of an additional attacker and adjustments need to be made with this understanding. The Milwaukee Wave defended with composure throughout the entire game, and defensive mindset is something Leite has been focusing on in this stage of the season.

“We have been giving up too many goals, especially easy goals,” Said Leite. Despite a short turnaround after their east coast road trip, the team was prepared to defend and Leite expressed his appreciation for their efforts. 

The defensive side was anchored by William Banahene, holding down the net for the Milwaukee Wave for his fourth season. Banahene made 11 saves boasting a .917 save percentage. 

“The composure part of it is not getting too high, not getting too low, making your save, and not making a meal of it,” Said Banahene. His teammates lean on his calm presence when protecting the lead in a low scoring affair.

“I remember playing for Harrisburg, being here, and we knew it was never gonna be easy,” Said Banahene, remembering his time as a visitor when playing at UW Milwaukee Panther Arena. “Having that support on our side, it's amazing,” He continued. Banahene’s saves ignited an already electric home fortress which saw the Milwaukee Wave close out the year victorious, defeating the Empire Strykers 3-1. 

The Milwaukee Wave face their rival Kansas City Comets at Cable Dahmer Arena in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, January 11 at 4:05pm CST. ###