The Major Arena Soccer League says it is looking into the clash between players and fans that followed Game 1 of the championship series between the Milwaukee Wave and San Diego Sockers.
Players and team personnel face heavy fines or other discipline, and fans may be banned from all MASL games as well as other events at the UWM Panther Arena, the league said in a statement issued April 23, the morning after the game there.
In the final seconds of the game, Sockers defender Cesar Cerda kicked Wave defender Tony Walls in the groin after they’d come together and Cerda was on the turf. The incident triggered tempers between two team that already were on edge throughout a tense 5-4 Sockers victory.
Fans got involved, jeering and then throwing debris and drinks at San Diego players, some of whom retaliated.
The game was played in front of the second-largest Wave home crowd of the season, 4,603.
“The safety of our players, coaches, and staff is non-negotiable. The league and its clubs are expected to maintain a secure environment at all times.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) moves the ball past San Diego Sockers defender Cesar Cerda (29) in MASL finals Game 1 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. San Diego won, 5-4.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Alex Steinwascher (44) controls the ball.
Milwaukee Wave forward Andre Hayne (99) plays the ball with his head.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Alex Sanchez (80) shoots past two San Diego Sockers defenders.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Shawn Azcueta (6) stretches to block a shot by San Diego Sockers forward Tavoy Martin.
Milwaukee Wave forward Ian Bennett (26) and defender Stuart Grable (12) celebrate with midfielder Cesar Correa after he scored the team’s first goal.
San Diego Sockers goalkeeper Chris Toth (1) pulls the ball out of the air in front of teammate Drew Ruggles and Milwaukee Wave forward Max Ferdinand.
San Diego Sockers defender Cesar Cerda (29) talks with Milwaukee Wave forward Ian Bennett during the game, suggesting Wave players were flopping at the hint of a foul.
Milwaukee Wave forward Ian Bennett kisses the ball after scoring.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) heads the ball to forward Ian Bennett (26) who scored past San Diego Sockers goalkeeper Chris Toth (1), pulling the Wave within 4-3.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) celebrates after his header to forward Ian Bennett scored a goal.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Javier Steinwascher (97) works against San Diego Sockers midfielders Sebastian Mendez (fallen) and Jesus Pacheco.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Tanner Hodgson (76) and San Diego Sockers defender Cesar Cerda tangle at the ball.
Milwaukee Wave defender Tony Walls (20) heads the ball in front of San Diego Sockers forward Nick Perera.