WINGS PUT OUT THE INFERNO, TAKE ON BOMBERS IN TOURNEY
The Wichita Wings took on the Colorado Inferno in their first match-up of the 2021 season and came up with a massive win, 9-2 , in front of a home crowd at Hartman Arena.
And, says Coach Roger Downing, it was all part of the plan.
"I thought it was a solid win for us, we came in with a game plan and excited. We were extremely organized behind the ball and finished our chances when we got them," said Downing.
While the offense put on a shooting demonstration, the defense was equally solid and goalkeeper Aaron Parrott was on fire.
"Parrott was great tonight, we all knew he would be. Indoor everyone defends, and tonight was no different. We always do a great job throwing our bodies in front of shots for blocks," said Downing.
Many players helped add to the total on the scoreboard and Taylor Henry was one of them. The Wing was busy with two goals and two assists. The secret to the win, he said, was teamwork.
"I thought we had a great team performance tonight. Everybody was working and defending hard. I am proud of the way everyone played and just glad to get a couple more goals," said Henry.
Henry and his teammates will have the chance to add to their stats today with a evening game against the Amarillo Bombers.
"The Bombers will provide us different challenges than the Inferno. The fans can expect some more great goals tomorrow in an action pact up and down game. The Bombers like to get up and down so it should be fun," said Coach Downing.
It's fun, but it's also the official beginning of an unusual season for the Wings during the Covid pandemic.
The Major Arena Soccer League 2 kicked off its 2021 campaign this weekend in Wichita as the Wings host the “Heartland Invitational,” laying the groundwork for a season that will conclude this summer with the crowning of a league champion. All six games of the tournament will count towards M2’s regular season standings. Those standings will be based on a team’s winning percentage, a model similar to what the Major Arena Soccer League and other sports leagues are using in the short term since not all teams will be able to play the same number of games
Tickets are still available at Hartman Arena's Box Office, but please note that there are seating restrictions based on Covid precautions. With the current MASL schedule evolving month-to-month the Wichita Wings are not yet selling season tickets. All games will be sold on an individual basis meanwhile, with a prorated season ticket special expected to be available for the summer games, once those dates are set.
The games will be broadcast online via Facebook PPV for $7.99 per day. A daily purchase allows fans to watch two games and includes the Wings each day.