The horns come from random areas, distant and fleeting like elephants communicating across the Serengeti. It’s game time. And on the field, where many teams have fallen, the Milwaukee Wave keep standing. (“Kicking” would have been too corny, no?)
I never understood why indoor soccer wasn’t more popular in the U.S., you know, aside from the stigma of it being “soccer.” Americans are predisposed to dislike soccer for some reason. Well, for several reasons: it’s low-scoring, it’s not exciting, I could go on. I don’t get it, though. I’ve always liked soccer. And especially the indoor variety.
Indoor is different. It’s a super-sleek hybrid of a bunch of different sports and rules all rolled into one. It’s soccer with basketball scoring played on a hockey rink-shaped field, complete with penalty box. It’s everything soccer haters love, all compiled together: a high-scoring game with breathtaking finishes that moves at a brisk pace.
And wouldn’t you know it, one of the most celebrated indoor soccer franchises around plays just down the street.
Founded all the way back in 1984, the Wave is actually the longest standing professional soccer team in the country. They’ve captured four titles over that span and have one of the highest winning percentages in indoor history.
Coach Keith Tozer has been in Milwaukee almost as long as the team itself. He’s been managing the bench since 1992 and just recently completed his 700th game with the franchise.
“I’m very proud and privileged to coach here. It’s an honor,” Tozer said. “I couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s been great being here 18 years.”
Professional sports are usually growing or dying, and indoor soccer is no different. Playing in a 16-team league just a few years ago, the Major Indoor Soccer League is now just five teams, including one in Monterrey, Mexico.
Despite numerous new leagues coming and going, the Wave have weathered it all and have truly become a landmark of indoor soccer. Their longevity has earned much respect around soccer circles, and they have developed a reputation for bringing in some of the most sought out international talent around. Through legends like Michael King, the Wave have developed a culture of success — one the fans and Tozer expect to maintain.
“It’s looked upon that we should be on top. You can’t have an off year,” Tozer said. “I think that ‘push to excellence’ is something that people look for. I think that some people might not like to play here, because maybe there’s too much pressure for them. But guys who like that thrill and that stress come here and win games.”
The Wave business model is simple: Win a lot. Despite only having four opponents to play, vice president of communications Matt Schroeder says the team is averaging nearly 4,000 fans per game. The Wave is very much family-friendly — one of their strongest selling points. All you have to do to figure that out is watch the pre-game children’s choir that adorably just can’t quite hit the high note on “rocket’s red glare.”
The Wave are in first place right now and look poised to take down another regular-season title. If the chase for a regular-season title was not motivational enough, the team was devastated last week to learn that its leading scorer, Marco Terminesi, will be out indefinitely with what doctors suspect is a brain tumor. Get well soon, Marco.
So go. Leave your reservations at the door and experience a brand new style of soccer played by a team on a mission to, as a poster so eloquently put it on Sunday, “Do it for Marco.” The title run is just starting. Good seats still available.
