MILWAUKEE (July 14, 2010) – In a game that was in doubt until the final 10 seconds, the Red team defeat the Blue 17-12 in the Milwaukee Wave Summer Soccer Showcase game Wednesday at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
The first professional co-ed match featured players from the Wave of the Major Indoor Soccer League and the Chicago Red Eleven of the W-League on mixed teams. A crowd of 5,364 provided the soundtrack amid great intensity on the field.
The match was knotted 12-all with 7:22 remaining when Wave midfielder Brett Wiesner of the Red team blasted in a restart goal from the top of the arc. Digital Takawira then netted the winning goal with 1:15 left by coming off the bench, sneaking behind Kim Boulos and making a steal in the defensive end, then beating Marcel Feenstra at the near post.
Wave forward Hewerton came on as a sixth attacker for the Blue, but Piper Lee potted a long 3-pointer as the horn sounded for the final margin.
“I think this was an excellent experiment,” said David Nikolic, head coach of the Red Eleven. “And I think the experiment worked. To see guys and girls playing at a high level and not holding back, it was worth it.”
Sarah Campbell, a former University of Montana player, scored the first goal by a female player against men, slotting home a ball from Chico after a quick passing sequence in the penalty area. Growing up in Montana, she had to play against boys to find good competition, so she enjoyed coming full circle in the Summer Soccer Showcase.
“This was so fun,” she said. “I kind of thought it would be a little slower and laid back. But the intensity everybody brought made it even more fun.”
Kara Kabellis of the Red Eleven added another goal as the Red took an 8-0 lead. It was 10-2 at halftime before Hewerton took over.
He scored four times in the third period to bring the Blue even at 10-all. The last one was gorgeous, as he juggled the ball over a defender, carried it into the left corner and blasted a left-footed shot past Andreas Davi.
The Brazilian target struggled with injuries last season, so Wave coach Keith Tozer was pleased to see him playing well.
“It took him a quarter to warm up, but once he settled down, he played really well,” Tozer said. “He missed a lot of last year with injuries, but hopefully he stays healthy and is ready for next year.”
Tenzin Rampa gave the Blue their first lead, 12-10, when Hewerton rifled a ball to him off a restart and he redirected a header past Davi.
The Red Eleven play in the W-League playoffs coming up at a time and date to be determined. For more on their team, visit www.chicagoredeleven.com. The Wave open their home season Friday, Nov. 26 and also have a home game Friday, Dec. 31. For information or tickets, call 414-224-9283 or visit milwaukeewave.com.
