After being forced to win twice in one night to advance in its first MASL playoff series, the Milwaukee Wave will have to do it again to get to the final.
A low-energy, low-offense first three quarters cost the Wave in its opener against the Baltimore Blast as its rally fell short in a 7-5 loss April 10 at the UWM Panther Arena.
“We definitely had a very slow start,” said midfielder Alex Sanchez, who put the Wave on the board first midway through the first quarter, only to see the Blast score six consecutive goals. “I feel that we couldn't build out of the back. We had trouble with that.
“We were close at the end. Definitely had a couple good chances to tie up the game. But it just didn't happen.”
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) and Baltimore Blast defender Oumar Sylla (2) fight for the ball in a game Friday, April 10, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Baltimore won, 7-5.Milwaukee Wave midfielder Alex Sanchez (80) and Baltimore Blast forward Juan Pereira (22) react after Sanchez scored athe first goal of the game.
Milwaukee Wave goalkeeper William Banahene makes a save as Blast forward Kevaughn Frater wrestles with Milwaukee Wave defender Tony Walls, left.
Baltimore Blast forward Nico Williams (6) and Milwaukee Wave midfielder Javier Steinwascher jostle for position.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Cesar Correa (15) hops over Baltimore Blast goalkeeper Julian Rodriguez (28) as Rodriguez makes a save.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Cesar Correa (15) reacts after a Baltimore Blast goal.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores tries to split Baltimore Blast forward Wellington Bramusse (77) and defender Jake Schindler.
Milwaukee Wave goalkeeper William Banahene blocks a shot by Baltimore Blast defender Pat Thompson.
Baltimore Blast midfielder Jonatas Melo celebrates a goal past Milwaukee Wave goalkeeper William Banahene.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Alex Steinwascher heads the ball.
Milwaukee Wave defender Mario Alvarez passes the ball under pressure from Baltimore Blast forward Jairo Guevara (19).
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Javier Steinwascher (97) and Baltimore Blast defender Marco Antonio Do Nascimento (11) work to head the ball in front of the Blast goal.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) tangles with Baltimore Blast defender Oumar Sylla (2) along the boards.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores controls the ball in from of Baltimore Blast defender Ayoub Abdelkarim.
Baltimore Blast goalkeeper Julian Rodriguez (28) and forward Nico Williams get to the ball at the same time to prevent Milwaukee Wave from scoring.
Milwaukee Wave defender Mario Alvarez congratulates forward Oscar Flores after Flores scored.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores reacts after Milwaukee Wave goalkeeper Gerardo Perez was fouled by a Baltimore Blast player.