The Wichita B-52s went on the road this past weekend across the midwest to compete against the St. Louis Ambush in their third game of a three game series and then traveled to Milwaukee to compete against the Wave on their striking black turf.   While the previous two games against St. Louis ended in favor of Wichita, this time they would be tested on St. Louis’ home turf but not without loyal Wichita fans cheering in attendance.  Sweeping St. Louis and leaving fans in shock with a last minute goal to tie and a bicycle kick to net the game winner in overtime, this game has re-ignited the old rivalry between these two cities and Wichita is ready for more.  All MASL fans have united calling this game “a classic”, “the best game since Wichita brought professional indoor soccer back” and “the most exciting indoor soccer game” they have watched in years.  Where were you when the Wichita B-52s swept the St. Louis Ambush is a question we’ll always reminisce upon.

A test of two well matched teams kept the thrill of this game alive as all fans clung to the edge of their seats while both teams fought for the lead but the first half ended at a deadlock score of 3-3.  Brady Bryant (11:33) and Kevin Ten Eyck (12:51) scored for the B-52s in the first quarter along with Alex Moseley (12:24) scoring his goal in the second.  St. Louis had Elvir Kafedzic (9:44) as their only scorer the first quarter, but made up for it with a 2 goal effort in the second quarter by their recent addition, Gordy Gurson (9:09, 13:32).  The third quarter brought with it an ambush of goals from St. Louis.  They had a hefty four goals by Adnan Gabeljic (3:02, 9:32), Corey Adamson (5:58), followed by Elvir Kafedzic scoring again with a goal in the eleventh minute.  At the end of the third, the B-52s were down 7-3, looking tired but don’t be fooled.  With less than a minute into the fourth quarter, the B-52s started their comeback by way of a Moseley goal, something of the norm from a Wichita B-52s fan as they know their B-52s don’t give up, none the less, go down without a fight.  Three more Wichita goals by Moseley (4:55) and Ten Eyck (7:58, 10:47) and one more St. Louis goal via Blake Ordell (8:23) brought Wichita within one goal of the Ambush. 

It was in the very last second of the game that Abel “Shadow” Sebele truly made his mark on all MASL fans memory as he scored in tremendous fashion with 0.01 seconds left on the clock to tie the game and push it into overtime.  Shadow, having been sick the entire night with flu-like symptoms, did not show an ounce of weakness but more so embodied certain qualities of Michael Jordan, having played possibly the best game of his career just as Jordan did back in 1997 when they beat the Jazz 88-85 as Jordan endured the same sickness, and just like him, Shadow played on with amazing endeavor to be a true team player. 

To ice the cake, Johnny Markey would come into overtime with fire beneath him, leading him to steal the game and net the game winner with a sensational bicycle kick in overtime, leaving the final score, 9-8.  Goal of the year?  Quite possibly, but there have been so many fantastic goals this year by the B-52s, awards should go all around. Markey, having been a recent addition, has made quite the effort for his new team, and Wichita is happy to have him.  The Wichita B-52s exemplify true qualities of a team and all of the MASL community give their respect to such an outstanding performance after having a rough start this year.  If the Wichita B-52s can be this exciting in just half a season since acquiring the notable Kim “The Rocket” Roentved as head coach along with our amazing players, can you imagine year 3?

After Saturday’s win versus St. Louis, the team traveled up to Milwaukee to play the Wave on Sunday who were coming off of a road win versus Detroit.  The stakes were high for this match-up, as the winner would take third in the division standings.  The climax of the match happened in the fourth quarter with Wichita pulling their goalie opting for a sixth attacker to push for a tie. The team benefited with a goal coming in from Carlos Filho (9:21), but Milwaukee took five more goals against the B-52s.  With the long, hard fight against the Ambush the night before, the team lost steam and the game ended in a 12-4 defeat; the score not flattering  to the effort put in by the B-52 players but nothing to keep them down.  Teams pick up, move on, and prove themselves as they have been doing this entire season. 

The Wichita B-52s are on the road again this weekend to compete against the Chicago Mustangs once more, this time at the Sears Centre Arena on Saturday, January 31st.  Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m.  Join us at Larry Bud’s West for the away watch party as we cheer on the boys and enjoy food and drinks in the company of other Wichita B-52s fans. 

The boys return home for their next home game at Hartman Arena on February 7th against the Milwaukee Wave for College Night. Prior to the game, you can take part in the KCAC Showcase on February 7th!  Be there and be seen by registering on the Wichita B-52s website.  Space is limited so don’t delay, register now!  The following Sunday, February 8th, the Wichita B-52s welcome the Missouri Comets for another match, this time on our home turf at Hartman Arena for Faith and Family Night.

Only 4 games left in the season so make sure to grab tickets for each remaining game!  Group tickets start at $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

Twitter- twitter.com/wheresyourorange

Instagram- instagram.com/wichitab52s

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

Where’s your orange?!