Rookies Star in Wave's Silver Anniversary Party

Before I get to the Badgers, Marquette, and Michael Redd recaps this afternoon, I wanted to give you a brief update about the ongoings of the Milwaukee Wave. As I've alluded to earlier this season (and subsequently berated for doing so), I've taken on an internship with the club as they take part in their 25th season.

On Saturday night, the Wave brought back more than 50 former players to greet the fans and take part in an alumni game. My role at the game was to write the the team's press release about the contest. I've decided to post that press release here on The Bucky Channel to give you an update on how the team is doing. Also, it's free content, and I'm trying to make up for an absent weekend. So here it is, but only if you're interested.

ROOKIES STAR IN WAVE'S SILVER ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Terminesi, MacKenzie tally twice each in 22-12 win over Ironmen

MILWAUKEE (Jan. 24, 2009) -- On a night in which the Milwaukee Wave honored those that played with them during their first 24 years of existence, it was the players that didn't join the club until its 25th year that stole the show. Led by their rookies, the Wave cruised past the New Jersey Ironmen 22-12.

"The past 2-3 days I've been telling these guys about the history the veterans bring," Wave Coach Keith Tozer said. "The new guys are becoming a part of that history."

After a Goran Vasic goal gave New Jersey a quick lead in the first quarter, the Wave began what would become a night of impressive goal-scoring. Their first goal came at the 2:55 mark in the first period, after Chico intercepted a New Jersey pass in front of the net for his first goal with the club.

First-year player Travis McKenzie then gave the Wave the lead early in the second quarter, controlling a pass down the field from goalkeeper Nick Vorberg. Marco Terminesi's seventh goal of the season helped Milwaukee extend its lead just 23 seconds later.

The Ironmen did their best to spoil the party, as Evan McNeley and Lucio Gonzaga added goals in the waning moments of the second quarter. But McKenzie's second goal of the night would give the Wave an 8-6 lead heading into the break.

Once again faced with a deficit, New Jersey found another way to come back. Lucio Gonzaga scored on a volley from Rey Martinez at the 12:41 mark, while Adauto Neto added an unassisted, short-handed goal one minute later.

Now trailing 10-8 in the third quarter, the Wave relied on their rookies to seal the victory. Terminesi was credited with an own goal at the 10:22 mark, which tied the game at 10. Rookie and former UW-Milwaukee Panther Tenzin Rampa found veteran Troy Dusosky midway through the third quarter to give Milwaukee the lead. Keeping true to theme, first-year players Jacek Przednowek and Chad Burt added goals to seal the victory.

"(The rookies) are not playing better because the veterans were here, they are playing better because they are getting better," Tozer said. "(But) having these guys here was a motivation to play better."

J.P. Rodrigues added two 3-point goals against the sixth attacker to complete the Wave's scoring.

Milwaukee's next game is 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 against the Chicago Storm. It's a Family 4-Pack day; fans can get four Premier level tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $44. The Family 4-Pack must be purchased in advance. Call the Wave office at 414-224-9283.

Founded this summer by the Milwaukee Wave, Detroit Ignition, New Jersey Ironmen and Chicago Storm, the Xtreme Soccer League is more than an indoor soccer league. The Xtreme Soccer Xperience is an energetic and innovative 12-month sports lifestyle brand built around skilled soccer professionals, entertainment and fan participation -- both live and online. For more information, visit XtremeSL.net.