The rumors were true.
The Major Indoor Soccer League, a circuit that considered the Wave to be a cornerstone franchise, has dissolved.
A restructuring is under way and the Wave, which is embarking on its successful summer camp program, hopes to join other surviving franchises as part of a stronger and possibly smaller league.
The MISL formed in 2001, replacing the National Professional Soccer League. The Wave has been playing professional indoor soccer since joining the American Indoor Soccer Association in 1984-'85.
"We are considering structural changes that will bring us greater efficiencies, while also allowing long term growth and expansion of the League," Detroit Ignition owner John Hantz said in a press release.
The restructuring likely will result in a new name and possibly a different structure, with Milwaukee and Baltimore expected to be key players. Steve Ryan, who had been commissioner of the MISL and NPSL for eight years, resigned last week.
The nine NPSL teams played a 30-game schedule last season. The Wave padded its home dates at U.S. Cellular Arena by playing games against it's developmental squad, the Armada.
Keith Tozer, head coach and vice president of soccer operations for the Wave, said the team will begin summer camps as scheduled on June 9.
"While the league is going through a restructuring, our camps are in full swing, and we look forward to this being our best summer ever," Tozer said.
The Wave celebrates its 25th season in 2008-'09.
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
