The Major Arena Soccer League expelled one San Diego Sockers player, suspended two others and fined two more in the aftermath of altercations following the team’s game against the Milwaukee Wave on April 22 at the UWM Panther Arena.
Additionally, both clubs have been fined, the league announced April 23, and efforts are ongoing to identify spectators who were involved.
The penalties mean that for Game 2 of the three-game Ron Newman Cup championship series April 24, the Sockers will be without three players who were among their top 10 scorers in the regular season and two of their top eight scorers in the playoffs.
The trouble stemmed from an incident late in the Sockers’ 5-4 victory in which Sockers defender Cesar Cerda kicked Wave defender Tony Walls in the groin. The traditional handshake line turned contentious, and then jeering elevated to spectators hurling debris and drinks at Sockers players and players retaliating.
Defender Stefan Mijatovic, who was signed by the Sockers as a free agent in March, has been permanently expelled from the league and banned from all MASL activities and facilities.
Mijatovic was on league probation after an incident Dec. 12 in a game against the Wave while he was a member of the Kansas City Comets. Mijatovic was seen stepping and standing on an opponent who was on the ground after a foul.
Sockers midfielder Luiz Morales and forward Jesus Pacheco were suspended for one game each and fined an undisclosed amount for “severe and violent conduct.”
Sebastian Mendez was fined an undisclosed amount for “severe and violent conduct” and Tavoy Morgan was fined an undisclosed amount for severe and violent conduct while on probation.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) moves the ball past San Diego Sockers defender Cesar Cerda (29) in MASL finals Game 1 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the UWM Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. San Diego won, 5-4.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Alex Steinwascher (44) controls the ball.
Milwaukee Wave forward Andre Hayne (99) plays the ball with his head.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Alex Sanchez (80) shoots past two San Diego Sockers defenders.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Shawn Azcueta (6) stretches to block a shot by San Diego Sockers forward Tavoy Martin.
Milwaukee Wave forward Ian Bennett (26) and defender Stuart Grable (12) celebrate with midfielder Cesar Correa after he scored the team’s first goal.
San Diego Sockers goalkeeper Chris Toth (1) pulls the ball out of the air in front of teammate Drew Ruggles and Milwaukee Wave forward Max Ferdinand.
San Diego Sockers defender Cesar Cerda (29) talks with Milwaukee Wave forward Ian Bennett during the game, suggesting Wave players were flopping at the hint of a foul.
Milwaukee Wave forward Ian Bennett kisses the ball after scoring.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) heads the ball to forward Ian Bennett (26) who scored past San Diego Sockers goalkeeper Chris Toth (1), pulling the Wave within 4-3.
Milwaukee Wave forward Oscar Flores (16) celebrates after his header to forward Ian Bennett scored a goal.
Milwaukee Wave midfielder Javier Steinwascher (97) works against San Diego Sockers midfielders Sebastian Mendez (fallen) and Jesus Pacheco.