The Milwaukee Wave are an American professional indoor soccer team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that competes in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). Founded in 1984, they have been the oldest continuously operating professional indoor soccer team in the United States[2] and are seven-time league champions, most recent being the 2018–19 champions of the MASL.[3]
The team plays their games at the UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena. The team colors are black and yellow.[4] The team has won 7 league championships in their history, three in the NPSL, three in the MISL, and one in the MASL.
History
The team was founded on August 3, 1984, as a member of the American Indoor Soccer Association and played in every season and incarnation of that league (see MISL). They have also played in the Xtreme Soccer League and the third version of the MISL. The team is currently a member of the Major Arena Soccer League. Milwaukee also hosted the 2003 and 2006 MISL II All-Star Games.[5]
Keith Tozer was the team's coach for 21 years before leaving to become United States national futsal team head coach. While with the Wave, he was the all-time winningest coach in North American indoor soccer, with six league championships and more than 700 wins.[6]
After the 2013–2014 season, the team announced that it was leaving the MISL along with five other teams and join the MASL.[8]
In 2014 the ownership group ROC Ventures, headed by Mike Zimmerman, became a partner in the team's ownership.[9]
Just before the 2014–15 season began, the Wave replaced their traditional green artificial turf with a black turf to match the team's colors and marketing strategy. Reception by fans and the press was mixed but generally positive.[10]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
