The Wichita B-52s were welcomed home last Saturday by their largest crowd of the season.  An estimated 2,100 people were in attendance on January 10th at Hartman Arena for First Responders Appreciation Night. The Wichita B-52s and the St. Louis Ambush warred for a firm hold of the lead but the B-52s came out on top with 48 seconds left to win the game 7-5.  To ice the cake, Byron Alvarez netted the game winner and a huge milestone for professional indoor soccer history in Wichita, the 6,000th goal.  Alex Moseley, Byron Alvarez and Brent Hobson all netted two goals while Matt Clare netted the 7th of night, sealing the victory for the B-52s and leaving no hope for the Ambush with only seconds left on the board. 

The first quarter was a defensive affair that saw Alvarez score first but the Ambush answered quickly to make it 1-1.  Richard Schmermund gave the Ambush an early lead in the second half but Wichita came roaring back with both of Hobson's goals as well as a goal from Moseley.  Wichita led into the half with a 4-2 lead.  Both teams struggled offensively coming out of half time before Moseley managed to break the deadlock with his second goal of the night.  The Ambush responded with two quick goals before the quarter ended, leaving the B-52s with a 5-4 lead.  Axel Duarte tested the B-52s by scoring the equalizer 2 minutes into the fourth quarter.  The tied match kept fans on the edge of their seats until Alvarez and Clare ambushed the Ambush with seconds left, netting 2 goals in quick succession leaving St. Louis in a daze.

The highlight of the night was delivered by Byron Alvarez, scoring the 6,000th goal in Wichita’s professional indoor soccer history.  Alvarez, giving his all with each shot, didn’t actually know the history he was about to make until afterwards when Wichita fans congratulated him on the accomplishment.  Alvarez has made a name for himself here in Wichita and having played for the Missouri Comets under Kim Roentved several years ago,  it makes this goal all the more sweeter.  With combined goals from the Wichita Wings and the Wichita B-52s, the milestone reached only further proves that soccer is a deep tradition here in Wichita and thanks to the fans, the 6000th goal would not have been accomplished without their loyalty to keeping soccer around. 

Join the Wichita B-52s this Saturday, January 17th for the second of a three game series as they take on the St. Louis Ambush at Hartman Arena.  Saturday night is Kid’s Night and $1 hotdog night.  Also, kids in attendance may participate in a pre-game parade; we suggest wearing their team’s soccer jersey.  Kick-off is at 7:05 p.m.!

Remember, tickets for all remaining home games are still available.  Group tickets start as low as $10 per game!  For the latest news and information on the Wichita B-52s, visit wichitaB-52s.com or follow the team on social media:     

Facebook – facebook.com/wichitaB52s                

To contact the Wichita B-52s front office, call (316) 440-2505 or email at info@wichitaB52s.com.

Where’s your orange?!