Wave coach Keith Tozer discusses 700th career win



MILWAUKEE -- Vince Lombardi once said "coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The coaches who win are the ones who can motivate their players." If that's the case, Milwaukee Wave indoor soccer coach Keith Tozer must be one of the great motivators of all time! FOX6's Tom Pipines caught up with Tozer, who is celebrating after reaching his 700th career win on Sunday, becoming the first North American soccer coach to do so.

It's easy to take the Milwaukee Wave for granted - all the defending Major Indoor Soccer League champs do is win! With Sunday's victory, Milwaukee moved to a remarkable 14 wins against just two losses. Of course, every win counts the same, but Sunday's win represents a career milestone for legendary head coach Tozer.

Tozer's 700th win came at the U.S. Cellular Arena Sunday against the Syracuse Silver Knights. The win made Tozer first all-time in indoor soccer, and second overall (indoor/outdoor game). Tozer has coached 1,133 matches, and the passion never wanes!

"Kudos to all the great players that have played with me from whenever I started coaching. We win as a team, and I couldn't be more proud," Tozer said Sunday night, as the team drenched him in an ice bath to celebrate.

In reality, Tozer is an incredibly intense competitor who does everything with class. Everybody who's ever been around him knows it, especially his players and his team owner. "He's a great leader and a good communicator. Just a down to earth guy, and Milwaukee loves him because he's a hard worker, and he gets along with all types of people," Wave Owner Jim Lindenburg said.

"We're so proud of him. Even though he yells at us and we all should really hate him, we love him. He keeps us going every game," Wave's Marco Terminesi said.

"I remember I was here for the 500th, and it was a really big deal back then, and it actually seems like just yesterday the 500th came around, and now, here we are 200 wins later. He's been unbelievable his entire career, and he deserves all the accolades he receives," Wave's Giuliano Oliviero said.

"Longevity, success, great teams and being able to stay in the game that long says a lot about him as a person, and as a character, and it's an impressive mark, and hopefully he's got 8, 900 in him," Wave's Greg Howes said.

"I love the game, I love to learn and I love to be able to teach. Just couldn't be more proud to be able to do it for so long, and especially, 20 years with the Milwaukee Wave," Tozer said.

The Milwaukee Wave clinched a playoff spot with Sunday's win. They are seeking their sixth championship in the Tozer era.

CLICK HERE for more on Tozer's 700th win.