WINGS READY FOR THE 2019 USAPSL CHAMPS

WINGS READY FOR COMPETITIVE MATCHUP, AGAINST 2019 USAPSL CHAMPS, AMARILLO BOMBERS

Coming off of three strong wins in their inaugural season in the MASL2, the Wichita Wings are taking to the field against the Amarillo Bombers at 7 p.m. tonight at Hartman Arena in Park City. Tickets still remain for the matchup and are available through Ticketmaster and the Hartman Arena box office.

The Amarillo Bombers also joined the MASL2 this season after decimating the competition last year in the US Arena Pro Soccer League during their inaugural season. Amarillo finished the season with an unblemished 9-0 record to win the USAPSL Championship. This season with the MASL2, they are still winning, with a five goals-for average

Coming into tonight's matchup, the now fifth-place Bombers have a 2-2 record in the MASL2 with 24 GF and 31 GA, with their only losses coming to the first place Chihuahau Savage. The Wichita Wings sit near the top of the MASL2 pack, in second place,  with a 3-0 record, 33 GF and 11 GA. Thirteen of those goals-for were against the Colorado Rumble during a blowout game last week at Hartman Arena.

That first home game was a goal-scoring masterclass, but tonight's game is certain to be more competitive and exciting.

"The Rumble was in last place," Blake Shumaker, owner, said. "They were depleted with five of their top players sitting out. The two goalkeepers were training players - both of their goalkeepers were out. Tonight will be much more competitive so you can really see what our players can do."

Back at home after two away games in Austin, Texas, fans had a blast last Saturday when the Wings took to the field. Around 4,000 fans enjoyed old school cheers, retro uniforms on the players, team introductions harking back to the earlier team's heyday complete with the Rocky Theme music and even an old-school balloon pop. Fans can expect more of the same, tonight.

One fan who soaked in the Orange Army madness was also on the field, living out a dream of playing for his favorite childhood team. Those in the stands were impressed by the hustle of Collin Lawter, new to the Wings and a persistent  thorn in the side of Colorado Rumble players during the 13-0 blowout.

"I'm a team guy, will put the team first before myself," said Lawter. "I have a strong work ethic. I might not be the biggest, but it's not the size of the dog in a fight that counts, but the size of the fight in the dog."

As of last week's game, the Wings sit at the top of the standings alongside the strong Chihuaha Savage. The two top-ranked teams are scheduled to meet head-on in back-to-back games January 18 and 19 at Hartman Arena.

MERCHANDISE WILL BE AVAILABLE

Last week, Wings fans quickly scooped up gear from the merchandise table near the front of the arena. Team managers brought hundreds of tee shirts, sweatshirts and jackets to the arena and fans waited in long lines so they could gear up in the orange. Haven't picked up yours yet? Don't worry, said Shumaker, more shirts and other merchandise is slated to be available at the home games versus Amarillo and New Mexico. Including the official Orange game jerseys which will be on sale tonight.  

Shumaker wants Wing fans to note that Hartman sales are credit card only. The team is not able to take cash for Wings' merchandise inside the arena

TEAM ROSTERS, JANUARY 4, 2020

WICHITA ROSTER:

#1 GK Aaron Parrott

#2 D Kieran Laking

#4 M Matt Sherrod

#6 M Leo Catarina

#13 M Taylor Henry

#14 D Brent Hobson (C)

#15 D Alex Rizzo

#16 D Kevin Ten Eyck

#17 M David Lucio

#18 D Daniel Sack

#23 M Leo Sosa

#25 F Jared Robbins

#26 M Alec Hinojos

#27 F Ethan Doud

#58 GK Steven Hamersky

#82 M Collin Lawter

AMARILLO ROSTER: 

#1 GK Kasey Baker

#3 M Tim Haywood

#5 M Kika Ramos

#6 M Sergio Cavazos

#7 M Miguel Reyes

#8 F Conrod Goulbourne

#9 D Abel Olivas

#14 D Darus Caddell

#15 M Gabe Williams

#17 M Julio Molina

#20 D John Cox

#21 D Freddy Dominguez

#22 F Julio Vargas

#33 GK Fredo Chavez

TICKETS 

Still need tickets for those upcoming games? Visit Ticketmaster.com for tickets to the Wings first home game of the 40th anniversary season or visit the Hartman Arena box office.