Wisconsin Soccer Central

While so many things surrounding the Milwaukee Wave have changed since they played their most recent game in March – the team has a new owner, a new coach for the first time in 21 years, a new league and even a new name for its home arena – one thing has remained remarkable stable: Their roster.

The Wave announced their roster to start the 2014-15 season in the new Major Arena Soccer League earlier this week, and 13 of the 15 players have previously played for the team. Milwaukee opens its 31st season of indoor soccer on Nov. 8 at the St. Louis Ambush.

The two newcomers are midfielder Anthony Arico and defender Alex Tozer (Whitefish Bay Dominican), the son of longtime Wave coach Keith Tozer. The elder Tozer, the winningest coach in indoor soccer history, parted ways with the club in late March in what both sides called a mutual decision.

Those two and forward James Weber (Hartford) are the only three players who didn't play for Milwaukee last season – the 21-year-old was with the team for a few months during the 2012-13 season, but didn't play last season because of a torn ACL.

Alex Tozer and Weber join midfielders Tenzin Rampa (Madison West/UW-Milwaukee) and J.C. Banks (Milwaukee Riverside/UW-Green Bay) and defenders Tony Walls (Wauwatosa East/UW-Green Bay) and Philip Suprise (Milwaukee Pius) as the six state natives on the roster.

The 39-year-old Nick Vorberg, who previously was announced as coach Giuliano Oliviero's assistant, continues on the roster as part of goalkeeping tandem with Marcel Feenstra. Vorberg played only four games last season due to a hand injury.

Ian Bennett, who led the Wave with 27 goals during the 2013-14 season, and Marcio Leite, who had a team-high 22 assists, are back to lead the attack.

Oliviero, who had six goals and 16 assists last season, is not listed on the roster. The 40-year-old started his pro soccer career in 1990 and played 13 seasons with the Wave. Milwaukee does have a 40-year-old on the roster, though: Marcelo Fontana.

Among the players who have departed, several have signed with other MASL teams – forward Nick Perera and defender Jonatan Santos are now with the San Diego Sockers, while forward Carlos Munoz joined the Rochester Lancers.

Coach: Giuliano Oliviero (first season).
Player-assistant: Nick Vorberg.