Wisconsin Soccer Central

The Milwaukee Wave's Major Arena Soccer League season just ended last week, but two of their players will soon be back in action.

Forward Ian Bennett was named to the Canadian team for the World Minifootball Federation Arena Soccer World Cup, while defender Victor Quiroz will play for Mexico. The 12-team tournament, which kicks off Saturday, is the largest arena soccer world championship since 1997.

The 29-year-old Bennett led the Wave with a career-best 40 goals this season and has 134 goals for the team over the past six seasons. Canada is in Group C and faces Serbia on Monday in Taylor, Mich., then heads to Flint, Mich., for matches against Brazil on Tuesday and Russia on Wednesday.

Wave coach Giuliano Oliviero also was listed on Canada's initial roster, but was removed Wednesday night. The 41-year-old Oliviero didn't play during the 2014-15 indoor season, seemingly calling time on his 25-year professional playing career.

Quiroz and Mexico open Group B play Saturday against Germany in Allen, Texas, then take on Romania on Sunday and India on Monday, both in Park City, Kan. The 38-year-old defender had four goals, 11 assists and 13 blocks in 21 games for the Wave.

The U.S. is in Group A along with the Czech Republic, El Salvador and Kazakhstan, with pool matches in Ontario, Calif., and San Diego. The semifinals and final are scheduled for March 28 and 29 at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill. – the top two teams in each of the three groups and the top two runners-up qualify for the quarterfinals.

More information: WMF Arena Soccer World Cup website

On Twitter: @IanBennett26