The Alaska Wild broke its 18-game losing skid with a 48-39 win over the Kent (Wash.) Predators but the triumph came with a bittersweet announcement from owner Charles Matthews.
In a halftime interview with the game crew from KAFC 93.7 FM, Matthews revealed that due to financial issues the Indoor Football League has taken over day-to-day operations of the Wild franchise.
"We just ran into a cash problem because the people of Anchorage didn't come out and support the team," Matthews said.
Matthews said he remains the teams majority stock holder but that he is "out of the loop" as to who will be running the Wild. He pleaded for more support from fans and businesses.
"I am stepping back to make this work. Regardless of my situation, I want this team to survive. We have a good product. Anchorage needs to come out and see what they have."
The Wild did make strides offensively against the Predators, a fledling franchise originally planned for the Valley.
Quarterback Donald Carrie threw four touchdown passes, the ground game produced two short scores and Jamelle Juno returned an interception for a score as Alaska won its first game since June 2008.
Anchorage Daily News
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