Milwaukee win NPSL crown with 19-6 win over Cleveland

  The Wave became the first team in the league's 16-year history to lose the first game of the best-of-five final at home and rebound to win the championship. Milwaukee, which won its first title in 1998, kept the defending champion Crunch from winning its fourth title in the last six years.

  "We beat one of the greatest teams in indoor soccer history," said Wave coach Keith Tozer. "I'm so proud of our team. We had the best record in the regular season (31-13) and finished it off here decisively."

  Richardson had a three-point goal and a two-pointer in an 8-0 run in the first half to spark the Wave from a 2-0 deficit to an 11-6 halftime lead. His two-point goal at 5:17 of the third quarter started the Wave on another 8-0 run that sealed the victory in front of a league playoff record crowd of 15,469.

  Richardson was voted most valuable player of the playoffs.

  Hector Marinaro of Mississauga, Ont., the league's six-time MVP and seven-time scoring champion, had two two-point goals for Cleveland. He put the Crunch ahead 2-0 with a right-footed shot from just inside the penalty box 4:53 into the game.

  Richardson's three-pointer at 11:34 followed by a bicycle kick goal by Brian Loftin just 1:59 later put the Wave firmly in command.

  "I'm so proud to be a part of this team," Richardson said. "Winning a championship does not happen often around our city and now we have two. It is a great feeling."

  Cleveland won the first game of the series in Milwaukee 20-18, but the Wave rallied to win Game 2 at home 18-12 after trailing 12-11 late in the match.

  Cleveland rolled to a 27-15 triumph at home in Game 3, but again the Wave came back 14-8 in Game 4.