Bennett, Bond Added to MASL International Challenge

by Jim Fossell

St. Charles, MO (May 22, 2017) – Milwaukee Wave midfielder Ian Bennett and Cedar Rapids Rampage forward Taylor Bond have been added to the MASL International Challenge game, which is slated for Friday, June 16 at 7:35 p.m. CT at the Family Arena. The special exhibition match will feature players and All-Stars from across the league in a “USA versus The World” format. Bennett will play for the World team, while Bond will represent the USA side. 

Bennett hails from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and is a ten-season indoor soccer veteran. He has played for the Chicago Storm (MISL, XSL) and for the Wave (MISL, MASL). He is a prolific goal scorer who just keeps getting better. He posted career-best 53 goals and 11 assists last season, finishing second in the MASL in points and goals and first in power play goals. He was also named First Team All-MASL.

Bond is a native of St. Charles, Illinois and has been one of the MASL’s exciting young stars since his debut in the 2014-15 season. He spent the past three seasons with the Chicago Mustangs, where he tallied 10, 21 and 40 goals, respectively. He earned a spot on the All-MASL second team for the 2016-17 season. Other highlights from last season were eight hat tricks, four power play goals, five game-winning goals, and three appearances on the league's Team of the Week. Bond recently signed as a free agent with Cedar Rapids.

More players will be announced this week. Each MASL team was invited to nominate their players for the International Challenge match and the International Challenge committee will select the rosters.

Leading up to this year’s International Challenge, the Ambush and Family Arena will host the 2017 MASL Player Combine on Friday, June 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Combine will give potential players from all over the chance to work out in front of coaches and team representatives from across the league, and have the chance to earn an invite to a preseason MASL camp. Four players from the combine will also be selected to participate in the International Challenge game that night. For more information and registration for the combine, visit stlambush.com or call the Ambush office at 636.477.6363.

Tickets for the MASL International All-Star Challenge are now on sale. Prices start at $12, with group prices starting at $10. To purchase visit the Family Arena box office, Metrotix.com or call the St. Louis Ambush at 636.477.6363.

For up-to-date information about the International Challenge and the players participating, visit the St. Louis Ambush website at stlambush.com and the Major Arena Soccer League’s website at maslsoccer.com.