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NewsKARNS RETURNS TO LEAD BUCKS FRONT OFFICE Two Bucks lead OSU to NCAA Final Four Pontiac, MI (December 14, 2007) When the Michigan Bucks return for pre-season camp in May, few will recognize the new face now working in the front office. Kyle Karns has been hired by the Michigan Bucks as the new President of Business Operations. Karns interned with the minor league soccer team during their 2003 and 2004 seasons as Director of Operations. During those seasons Kyle also took an active role in MLS Detroit, a local grass roots campaign organized to help bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Detroit. Karns has spent the past two seasons as Manager of Community Relations for the Detroit Ignition, a member of the Major Indoor Soccer League.He will continue to use the same expertise for the Bucks that he honed with the Ignition; designing an extensive community outreach program that takes itself far beyond the soccer specific community. I am very excited to return to the Michigan Bucks soccer organization and fortunate to come into a great situation with the most successful Premier Development League (PDL) franchise in history.Dan Duggan has always had a great business plan, and I am happy to be a part of that once again, stated the Redford resident. As the new President of Business Operations, Karns will manage many of the upcoming projects that the Michigan Bucks have had in the works since the season ended in August following the Bucks second consecutive trip to the North American finals. It is nice to have someone that is familiar with the organization return and take on such an important role.The Bucks will be making several major announcements after the holidays, so the timing of having Kyle take control of the team is idealI have a great deal of confidence that Kyle can take this organization an even higher level than we are at today, said Dan Duggan, owner of the Michigan Bucks. To follow the Bucks off season press releases, please visit the Michigan Bucks website at The Bucks will be releasing the 2008 schedule, as well as player signings and information on their new home for the upcoming season within the next several weeks. TWO BUCKS LEAD OHIO STATE TO FINAL FOUR THIS WEEKEND The Ohio State Buckeyes have landed a place in the Mens College Cup Final Four this weekend on the strength of two of this past summers Bucks players. Solid defender Eric Brunner helped anchor a Bucks back line that carried the Michigan team to the title game in Laredo, Texas last August. He has continued his stellar play with the Buckeyes this fall in Columbus. While most Major League Soccer (MLS) scouts are in awe of his defensive skills, it was Brunners free kick taking that helped push his team into the Final Four in Cary, NC tonight. The 66 Brunner scored on two free kicks in the 4-0 defeat of Bradley, eliminating the Braves and Bucks teammates Joe Donoho and Steve Brust in the process. Big Ten Player of the Year Xavier Balc is no surprise when he stands over the ball, as he has been noted as one of the best free kick specialists in the country this year. Balcs lethal left foot has led to an incredible amount of goals from corner kicks and restarts all year long. The Buckeyes will have to get past Massachusetts on Friday night in order to make their first ever appearance in the NCAA championship match on Sunday. Balc would like nothing more than to finish his college career with a title, after having his controversial PK disallowed in the Bucks championship match that would have given Michigan back to back consecutive titles in the PDL. Both college seniors are slated to be drafted in Major League Soccers SuperDraft on January 18, with many experts predicting they will both go in the first round. FORMER BUCKS STAR LEADS REVS TO US OPEN CUP TITLE; COLLEGE PLAYERS CONTINUE TO SHINE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Player | Team | Position |
| Stephen Paterson | Thunder Bay Chill | Goalkeeper |
| Mike Holody | Michigan Bucks | Defender |
| Josh Howard | Kansas City Brass | Defender |
| Josh White | Kansas City Brass | Defender |
| Tomas Boltnar | Des Moines Menace | Midfielder |
| Keith Gorzcyca | Kansas City Brass | Midfielder |
| Nate Jafta | Michigan Bucks | Midfielder |
| Jake Stacey | West Michigan Edge | Midfielder |
| Tommy Heinemann | St. Louis Lions | Forward |
| Saidi Isaac | Indiana Invaders | Forward |
| Kenny Uzoigwe | Michigan Bucks | Forward |
BUCKS SET TO DEFEND TITLE FRIDAY IN LAKE ORION;
Playoffs begin with games at 5:30 and 8:00 Friday; Championship Saturday at 7:30
Rochester, MI (July 24, 2007) -- The 2006 North American Premier Development League (PDL) Champion Michigan Bucks begin their title defense with their opening playoff match this Friday night at Lake Orion High School. The Great Lakes Division champion Bucks (11-2-3) will take on the second place finisher in the Heartland Division, St. Louis Lions (10-6) in the late game Friday (8:00 kick off). The Chicago Fire Premier (8-4-4, second place Great Lakes Division) will take on the Thunder Bay Chill (10-3-3, Heartland Division champion) at 5:30 in the early game of the evening. The PDL Central Conference champion will be determined when Friday night's winners clash at Lake Orion High School on Saturday night (7:30 PM kickoff).
Tickets for Friday or Saturday's matches are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free). For a limited time only, the Bucks are offering a Central Conference Playoff pass that you can purchase for $11 Adults and $6 Youth and will allow you seating at ALL three of the PDL playoff games held on the weekend of July 27-28. Tickets can be purchased online until Friday at 12:00 noon.
Here is a brief look at each team's history:
Michigan Bucks -- The Bucks won their first PDL title last year in their eleventh season and have qualified for the PDL playoffs in 11 of 12 campaigns. The Bucks hold several PDL records, including most overall wins, most playoff wins and most playoff appearances in the 63 team league that covers the entire US and Canada. The Bucks are led by leading scorer Kenny Uzoigwe (15 goals, 5 assists) and Nate Jafta (7 goals, 9 assists). Both players are candidates for PDL player of the year. Goalkeeper Steve Clark finished the season 11-0-3 and only conceded 10 goals in 14 games, including 6 shutouts.
Thunder Bay Chill -- The Chill began play in the PDL Heartland Division in 2000. This is their first season qualifying for the playoffs. They come into the postseason as Division champions with a record of 10-3-3 on 33 points. Brandon Swartzendruber (Midwestern State University, Wichita, TX) is the team's leading scorer with 13 goals and 4 assists (30 points). Gustavo Oliveira (Brazil) is the creative force behind the team recording 5 goals and 13 assists for 23 points. Goalkeeper Stephen Paterson (Western Illinois) has recorded 7 shutouts in 15 matches.
St. Louis Lions -- The Lions began play in the PDL Heartland Division in 2006, finishing in 4th place. In just their second year the team finished in 2nd place, earning a record of 10-6-0 (30 points), good
enough to earn a playoff berth. Tommy Heinemann (RockhurstUniversity, Kansas City) leads the team with 14 goals and 1 assist for 29 points. Jarius Holmes (McKendree University, Lebanon, IL) heads into the playoffs with 7 goals and 7 assists for 21 points.
Chicago Fire Premier -- Founded in 2001, the Fire Premier have qualified for the playoffs every year since their inception into the league. This is the first year in the team's existence in which they haven't finished 1st in their division. The Fire Premier have more alumni playing professional soccer than any other team in the Premier Development League, with names including Jay DeMerit (Watford - ENG, US MNT), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United - ENG, US MNT), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA, - MLS, US MNT), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo, US MNT), and many others. The team has four players tied to the state of Michigan. Midfielders Nader Jarun, Peri Marosevic, and goalkeeper Patrick Sperry all play at the University of Michigan, while defender Rauwshan McKenzie plays for Michigan State.
For more information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
BUCKS HANDLE FEVER 3-1, LOOK TO HOST THIS WEEKEND'S PLAYOFFS
Columbus, OH (July 22, 2007) -- The Premier Development League (PDL) Champion Michigan Bucks dismantled the Ft. Wayne Fever at Columbus Crew Stadium on Sunday, as part of a Bucks/Crew doubleheader. The game against the Fever was the last regular season match of the Buck's twelfth regular season and helped steer the defending champs in the winning direction. After Fever forward David Bauer stole the ball and placed an untouchable shot past Bucks goalkeeper Steve Clark in the 13th minute, the Bucks seemed to wake up and start pressing the match. It didn't take long before the Bucks dynamic duo of Kenny Uzoigwe and Nate Jafta went on a tear to lead the club as the highest scoring team in the 2007 PDL (48 goals in the regular season).
Uzoigwe opened the Bucks scoring in the 16th minute on an assist from Nate Jafta (Lindsey Wilson College) and would return the favor a few minutes later when the Bucks leading scorer (15 goals) fed Jafta and put Nate in all alone on the keeper to make the score 2-0 in the 57th minute. The Bucks continued to pound offensively and finished the game with a total of 30 shots at Ft. Wayne goalie Zach Gibbons.
The Bucks finished out the scoring with a strike by Alex Morisset (assist to Nate Jafta) in the 63rd minute to put the game away. With the win, the club's final regular season record is 11-2-3 (36 points) . The top seeded Bucks will play the SECOND game of Friday's Central Conference double header, when they take on the St. Louis Lions for the first time at 8:00 PM at Lake Orion High School. In the first game of Fridays double header, Chicago Fire Premier will take on the Thunder Bay Chill (Canada) at 5:30. The winners of both matches will square off on Saturday at 8:00 (Lake Orion High School) with the right to represent the Central Conference in the North American Championship semi finals.
Tickets for Friday or Saturdays matches are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free). For a limited time only, the Bucks are offering a Central Conference Playoff pass that you can purchase for $11 Adults and $6 Youth and will allow you seating at ALL three of the PDL playoff games held on the weekend of July 27-28. Tickets can be purchased on line until Friday at 12:00 noon.
For more information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
Fort Wayne Fever vs. Michigan Bucks
Columbus Crew Stadium
July 22nd, 2007
Scoring Summary:
FTW - David Bauer (unassisted) -- 13th minute
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 14 (Nate Jafta 8) -- 16th minute
MICH -- Nate Jafta 7 (Kenny Uzoigwe 7) -- 57th minute
MICH -- Alex Morisset 1 (Nate Jafta 9) -- 63rd minute
Lineups:
Fort Wayne: 0-Zach Gibbens (10-Josh Howell '81), 2-Miseko Bonivenger, 4-Joseph Held, 19-Trevor Peaslee, 16-Jamie Bowman, 7-Jacob Capito, 17-Cameron Jordan, 3-Victor Webb, 12-Gary Boughton
(20-Justin Darvish '71), 9-David Bauer, 8-Philip Wilson
Subs not used: 23-James McCarron
Head Coach: Bobby Poursanidis
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 4-Kyle Russell, 23-Eric Brunner, 3-Mike Holody, 15-Santos Perez (19-Steve Brust '53) 17-Piotr Nowak, 14-Alex Morisset, 7-Ty Shipalane (11-Steve Bonnell '67), 8-Nate Jafta,
21-Khelli Dube (18-Doug DeMartin '63)
Subs not used: 1-Mitch Hildenbrandt, 6 Xavier Balc
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Misconduct Summary:
MICH -- Khelli Dube (caution) -- 63rd minute
FTW -- Philip Wilson (caution) 79th minute
Statistics:
Shots: Ft. Wayne 5, Michigan 30
Saves: Ft. Wayne 8, Michigan 2
Fouls: Ft. Wayne 7, Michigan 9
Offsides: Ft. Wayne 2, Michigan 3
Corners: Ft. Wayne 3, Michigan 8
Referees: Andrew Scott, Doug Ferguson, Ron Trevino
BUCKS FALL TO LYNX 3-1; PLAYOFF TIMES SET FOR LAKE ORION NEXT FRIDAY
(July 20, 2007) -- The Michigan Bucks lost their second game of the season last night against the Toronto Lynx 3-1 at Rochester High School. The Bucks came into the game as the Great Lakes Division champions knowing they are hosting the playoffs next weekend at Lake Orion High School on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28. With four of the Bucks superstars training all week with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (Nate Jafta, Steve Clark, Mike Holody and Eric Brunner), second year head coach Dan Fitzgerald emptied the bench to play all of the dedicated Bucks players this year that have not played the minutes they probably deserved. Said a disappointed Fitzgerald after the game, "I gave the opportunity to several quality players to show that they could lead this team to victory for the second time this year, and both times we have came out on the short end of the score. I still believe the players I started tonight are quality players, but what was missing was the continuity of what makes our team so dangerous. Our counter attacking was not as lethal as normal and we had a 15 minute defensive lapse early in the second half that ultimately led to our demise tonight."
The Bucks (10-2-3) jumped out early when Steve Bonnell (Michigan) earned a penalty kick in the eighth minute when he was pulled down running by his defender. Nic Djokic took the PK and slammed it off the crossbar. Lynx goal keeper Chris Baker made his first great save of the evening when he pushed the rebound shot over the bar for a Bucks corner kick. Michigan continued to press the first half, out shooting the Lynx 7-2 and finally put a ball past Baker when Mauro Fuzetti (Michigan) headed a Doug DeMartin cross (Michigan State) into the goal from 16 yards out to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead.
Toronto would carry the play into the second half and scored two goals in 14 minutes when midfielder Murphy Wiredu put a pair of goals past Bucks reserve keeper Mitch Hildenbrandt. The high school keeper from Livonia Stevenson recorded his second start of the season for the Bucks and was charged with both Bucks losses. Although it would be easy to make excuses for the young net minder, Coach Fitzgerald was not having any part of it after the game. "Mitch may be feeling low after tonight's game thinking he was the losing goal keeper in our only two losses this year, but he did not lose these games for us -- we played poorly defensively for short stretches of the game, and Toronto took advantage of it.Give them credit; they came in here in their last game of the season with no hope of the playoffs and played inspired soccer." When asked about Hildenbrandt's future with the Bucks, Fitzgerald replied, "this kid is our goal keeper of the future. He has four great years ahead of him with one of the premier PDL clubs in the country.If he is down on himself right now, he better get over it in a hurry, because I might just start him in Columbus on Sunday. That's how much confidence we have in this young man."
The Bucks game against the Ft. Wayne Fever at Columbus Crew Stadium will have no bearing on the standings or the playoffs, but should bring out the best in the defending PDL champions. "These boys are playing in a stadium they hope and dream to play in as professionals very soon, in front of the highest level coaches in America on Sunday. I don't think there is much to do to motivate them," said Bucks owner Dan Duggan, who arranged the match and relationship with the Crew last year. "I will make the same prediction I made last year in Laredo at the championship game; the crowd will not be disappointed in the effort. I suspect you will see some incredible attacking, counter attacking and individual effort from both sides. Ft. Wayne will be playing with the same pride that Toronto played with tonight. We will be playing to go into next weekend's playoffs on a high note.It will be a wide open match on the huge MLS pitch," concluded Duggan.
DISCOUNT PLAYOFF PASS ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
The defending North American Champion Bucks begin defense of their title next Friday night at Lake Orion High School at 8:00 PM. The Bucks first round opponent will be determined this weekend, but the team has already determined that it will offer a 50% discount on playoff passes for ALL three games of the Central Conference Championship Final Four. The first game on Friday, July 27 will be at 5:30 PM and will feature the Chicago Fire Premier against the #1 seed from the Heartland Division. The Bucks will then take on the #2 seed from the Heartland Division at 8:00 PM. The winners of the two Friday games will play the Central Conference Championship game on Saturday, July 28 at 7:30 PM at Lake Orion, with the winner going to represent the Conference in the 63 team Premier Development League (PDL) Final Four.Tickets for Friday's two matches and Saturday's championship match are the same as the Bucks regular season tickets; $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free) each night. HOWEVER, AS A SPECIAL BUCKS PRESALE PLAYOFF DISCOUNT, YOU CAN ORDER PLAYOFF PASSES TO ALL THREE GAMES (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY) FOR ONLY $11 ADULTS AND $6 YOUTH. This 50% discount is only available by visiting the Bucks web site and buying the passes through the secure Pay Pal link. The Playoff Passes must be purchased by Friday at 12:00 noon. Fans buying tickets the day of the game on Friday will also have to buy an additional ticket for Saturday to see the championship match. With the limited seating at the soccer specific facility at Lake Orion, the team expects seating to be sold out and standing room only available for both dates.
To purchase tickets and further information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
Toronto Lynx vs. Michigan Bucks
Rochester High School
July 20th, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Mauro Fuzetti 1 (Doug DeMartin 3) -- 24th minute
TOR -- Murphy Wiredu (unassisted) -- 52nd minute
TOR -- Murphy Wiredu (unassisted) -- 66th minute
TOR -- Dane Roberts (Daniel Revivo) -- 90th minute
Lineups:
Toronto: 00-Chris Baker, 18-Jamie Fairweather (17-Kevin Omokhua '46), 2-Kayin Jeffers, 6-Rick Titus, 5-Alex Rhue Litschky, 11-Chris Deabrew, 13-Mikael McNamara (3-Dane Roberts '73), 9-Tristan Murray,
22-Murphy Wiredu, 21-Dominic Oppong, 20-Daniel Revivo
Subs not used: none
Head Coach: Duncan Wilde
Michigan: 1-Mitch Hildenbrandt, 22-Ian Daniel (red card '70), 5-Adam Brent, 4-Kyle Russell, 15-Santos Perez, 17-Piotr Nowak, 20-Mauro Fuzetti (21-Kheli Dube '46), 16-Nik Dojkic, 18-Doug DeMartin, 6-Xavier Balc (7-Ty Shipalane '75), 11-Steve Bonnell (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '75)
Subs not used: 14-Alex Morisset
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Misconduct Summary:
TOR -- Chris Deabrew (caution) 45th minute
TOR -- Murphy Wiredu (caution) 50th minute
MICH -- Ian Daniel (ejection) 70th minute
TOR -- Alex Rhue Litschky (caution) 76th minute
Statistics:
Shots: Toronto 10, Michigan 16
Saves: Toronto 7, Michigan 2
Fouls: Toronto 14, Michigan 10
Offsides: Toronto 4, Michigan 0
Corners: Toronto 5, Michigan 4
BUCKS TO HOST CENTRAL CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
Rochester, MI (July 19, 2007) -- The United Soccer Leagues announced that the Great Lakes Division and reigning PDL Champion Michigan Bucks will host the Central Conference Final Four to be held Friday and Saturday July 27 and July 28 at Lake Orion High School. The Bucks and second place finisher Chicago Fire Premier will take on the first and second place clubs (to be determined this weekend) from the Heartland Division. Ticket prices for the games on both Friday and Saturdays matches will be the same as the Bucks regular season, $10 for Adults (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free). The Bucks will be offering a presale playoff pass that must be purchased online or at the Bucks home game on Friday, July 20 that will allow all fans enjoy both games on Friday night (5:30 and 8:00 PM) AND the Conference Final on Saturday (7:30 PM kick off) for ONLY $11 Adult and $6 Youth. The two dates for the price of one pass will be available online at the Bucks web site Friday July 20th. These playoff passes will not be for sale on game day and must be purchased prior to Friday, July 27th.
Playoff passes will be available when the first place Bucks (10-1-3) play their last regular season home game in Detroit Friday at Rochester High School (7:00 PM kick off) against the Toronto Lynx. The Bucks have defeated the Lynx both times the teams have met this season by the scores of 2-1 in Toronto and 4-1 in Saline. Tickets are $10 Adult and $5 Youth and available at the gate. The 2006 North American Champions will then close out the regular season with a home game at Crew Stadium in Columbus as part of an MLS double header this Sunday. The Bucks take on the Ft. Wayne Fever (1:00 kick off) followed by the Crew and Toronto FC (5:00). Tickets for this doubleheader are also available on the Bucks web site, along with tickets to see David Beckhams only appearance in Columbus this year on September 30th.
For further information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
BUCKS' UZOIGWE NAMED PDL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
(July 18, 2007) -- United Soccer Leagues announced Wednesday that Bucks striker Kenny Uzoigwe has been named the Premier Development League Player of the Week for Week 13 after his performance in last Saturday's 7-1 rout of the West Michigan Edge. In the match, Uzoigwe was part of all five goals scored while he was in the game, finishing 3 and assisting on 2 more before being subbed out in the 69th minute. For his effort, Uzoigwe who is tied for 2nd in the league for both goals and points, was also named to the PDL Team of the Week.
The striker from Toledo, Ohio joins Nate Jafta as the second Bucks player this season to be named PDL player of the week. Jafta took home the honor in Week 3. Both players top honors come playing in a league with 63 teams and over 1300 players.
Fans can catch Uzoigwe, Jafta, and the rest of the North American Champion Bucks in their last regular season match in Michigan, this Friday at 7:00 PM at Rochester High School against the Toronto Lynx. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 dollars for youth (16 and under), with children 5 and under being admitted for free.
BUCKS WRAP UP EIGHTH GREAT LAKES DIVISION TITLE WITH 4-1 WIN AT FT. WAYNE
(July 17, 2007) -- The Michigan Bucks continued their stellar play in the 2007 regular season with a 4-1 win over the Ft. Wayne Fever to claim their eighth Great Lakes Division title in twelve years. The Bucks (10-1-3, 33 points) have wrapped up the division with two games to play, a far cry from last year when they had to go undefeated the final four games just to make the playoffs. Like last year, the Bucks are steam rolling into the extra session in defense of their 2006 North American PDL Championship.The highest scoring team in the PDL came out firing in Ft. Wayne and went into halftime with a 3-0 lead. To no surprise to Bucks fans, leading the way in scoring were the triple threat of leading scorers, Kenny Uzoigwe (14 goals/ 4 assists), Khelli Dube (10 goals/ 6 assists) and Nate Jafta (6 goals / 9 assists).
Kenny followed up Saturday nights 7-1 win against West Michigan (where he had 3 goals and 2 assists in 69 minutes of playing time) with another two goal and one assist night in the first half.All three first half goals were scored between the 27th and 42nd minute when the Bucks were dominating the Fever defense. Following the halftime substitutions of Uzoigwe, Jafta and others, the Bucks continued to pound the Ft. Wayne defense, but could not put another goal past goalkeeper Zach Gibbons until Xavier Balc curled in a free kick from 34 yards out late in the game. Gibbons faced 26 Bucks shots during the course of the match and came up with some huge saves to keep the Fever in the game until Balcs late strike. Clinching the title gives Bucks head coach Dan Fitzgerald several options for the last two regular season games, beginning this Friday night against Toronto at Rochester High School (7:00 kick off) and finishing with a rematch with the Ft. Wayne at Columbus Crew Stadium this Sunday (1:00 kick off) as part of an MLS double header with the Crew and Toronto FC (5:00 kick off). It is a tremendous advantage to have this clinched with two games to go, said an elated Fitzgerald. Last year we did this the hard way and we learned from our mistakes. This year we have the luxury to play all of our players the next two games and allow all of our injuries to heal.� Make no mistake, the goal is the same as last year- to finish the final four games of the regular season undefeated to go into the playoffs on a roll.
Although the Bucks have put in a bid to host the Central Conference playoffs the weekend of July 27-28 in the Detroit area, it could be that this Fridays game is the last home game of the season for Bucks fans.� Tickets for Fridays match at Rochester High School against the Toronto Lynx are $10 Adults and $5 Youth (under 5 free) and are available at the gate.� � For further information, please visit the Bucks web site at www.buckssoccer.com.�
FOUR BUCKS TRAINING WITH THE COLUMBUS CREW THIS WEEK
Following the Bucks 4-1 win against the Ft. Wayne Fever, several of the Bucks players were called into training camp with Major League Soccers� Columbus Crew for the week.� Heading down to train with their Major League Soccer affiliate are Mike Holody (Clarkston/University of Michigan/Junior), Steve Clark (Mason/Junior/Oakland), Nate Jafta (Pamperistad, South Africa/Lindsey Wilson College/Junior) and Eric Brunner (Dublin, Ohio/Senior/Ohio State University).� The four Bucks standouts will train for the week with the Crew and will be on stand by for Fridays game against the Toronto Lynx.� All four starters will be available for the Bucks game against the Ft. Wayne Fever on Sunday at Crew Stadium.� Said Bucks owner Dan Duggan, this is a great opportunity for these young men to get to train in the professional environment that only MLS can provide in this country.� We appreciate all that the Crew has done to help give these very talented players the exposure they deserve at the next level.� Hopefully, it will help all parties involved when it comes time for them to move on from the college ranks.� All four of these young players have what it takes to compete at the next level.
Michigan Bucks vs. Ft. Wayne Fever
Hefner Stadium
July 17, 2007
Lineups:
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 4-Kyle Russell (19-Stephen Brust '86), 3-Mike Holody (5-Adam Brent '86), 22-Ian Daniel, 23-Eric Brunner, 20-Mauro Fuzzeti, (2-Gabe Hernandez '80) 8-Nate Jafta (16-Nik Djokic '61), 14-Alex Morisset (6-Xavier Balc '61), 17-Piotr Nowak, 21-Khelli Dube, 10-Kenny Uzoigwe (18-Doug DeMartin '61)
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Ft. Wayne: 0-Zac Gibbens, 2-Misko Bonivenger, 21 Jared Gillespie, 18-Trevor Peaslee, 5-Josh Sommers (8-Aaron Tulloch '46), 23-Jamie Bowman (20-Justin Darvich '46), 7-Jacob Capito, 11, Cameron Jordan, 9-David Bauer, 4-Joseph Held, 17 Philip Wilson
Head Coach: Bobby Poursanidis
Shots: Michigan 26, Ft. Wayne 7
Saves: Michigan 3, Ft. Wayne 8
Fouls: Michigan 7, Ft. Wayne 7
Offsides: Michigan 3, Ft. Wayne 2
Corners: Michigan 7, Ft. Wayne 5
BUCKS CRUSH EDGE 7-1; QUALIFY FOR RECORD ELEVENTH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
(July 14, 2007)-� �The Michigan Bucks began their stretch run to defend their North American Championship by destroying the cross state rival West Michigan Edge 7-1 at Lake Orion High School.� The Bucks worked hard from the opening whistle, but gave up the first goal early in the first half.� With the Edge leading at the three minute mark, the Great Lakes Division leading Bucks decided to turn up the volume and do what they do better than any team in the PDL- score goals.� Bucks leading scorer Kenny Uzoigwe finished his three goal hat trick and added two assists, while running mate Nate Jafta recorded two goals and an assist of his own.� The dynamic duo for the Bucks continued to set up the Edge and never allowed the younger team to gather any momentum.�
The Champion Bucks took a 3-1 lead into halftime and quickly scored four more goals in the second half to put the game away and eliminate the Edge from playoff contention for yet another year.� The Bucks clinched their PDL record eleventh playoff spot in the teams twelve year existence and look to clinch their seventh Great Lakes Division title with a win in Ft. Wayne on Tuesday night.� The Bucks will wrap up their home schedule with a game on Friday night at Rochester High School (7:00) before leaving to play their final regular season match at Columbus Crew Stadium on Sunday, July 22 as part of a PDL/ MLS doubleheader.�
For further information, please visit the Bucks web site at .�
West Michigan Edge vs. Michigan Bucks
Lake Orion High School
July 14, 2007
Lineups:
West Michigan: 0-Chris Austin (00-Casey Aubil '46), 17-Scott Blandford, 21-Peter Hill, 6-Dave Hertel,
2-BJ Goodman, 3-Jonathan Liechty (16-Martin Browne '63), 12-Joel DeLass, 18-Greg Jacnicki, 20-Dustin Snyder (4-Kyle Hall '72), 7-Jake Stacy, 14-Tom Oatley
Subs not used: None
Head Coach: Mark Bell
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark (1-Mitch Hildenbrandt '72), 22-Ian Daniel, 3-Mike Holody, 23-Eric Brunner,
�4-Kyle Russell (19-Steve Brust '69), 8-Nate Jafta (2-Gabe Hernandez '63), 17-Piotr Nowak, 14-Alex Morisset, 7-Mkhokeli Dube, 18-Doug DeMartin (20-Mauro Fuzetti '69), 10-Kenny Uzoigwe (11-Steve Bonnell '69)
Subs not used: 5-Adam Brent, 7-Ty Shipalane
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Scoring Summary:
WMICH -- Tom Oatley 8 (unassisted) -- 3rd minute
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 10 (Mkhokeli Dube 3) -- 5th minute
MICH -- Nate Jafta 4 (Kenny Uzoigwe 2) -- 10th minute
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 11 (Doug DeMartin 2) --� 16th minute
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 12 (Ian Daniel 1) -- 56th minute
MICH -- Nate Jafta 5 (Kenny Uzoigwe 3) -- 63rd minute
MICH -- Steve Bonnell 1 (Mkhokeli Dube 4) -- 79th minute
MICH -- Mkhokeli Dube 10 (Steve Bonnell 1) -- 82nd minute
Misconduct Summary:
None
Shots: West Michigan 6, Michigan 22
Saves: West Michigan 8, Michigan 2
Fouls: West Michigan 6, Michigan 10
Offsides: West Michigan 1, Michigan 3
Corners: West Michigan 1, Michigan 5
TICKETS FOR BUCKS/CREW/BECKHAM ALMOST SOLD OUT!
(July 12, 2007) --�The Michigan Bucks announced today that there are less than 30 ticket packages available for the two Major League Soccer matches in Columbus and the Bucks/Ft. Wayne Fever game.� Lower level midfield tickets for the Sunday July 22nd doubleheader between the PDL Champion Bucks and Ft. Wayne (1:00 kick off), followed by the MLS Columbus Crew/Toronto FC match (5:00 kick off) are only $26.� The package also includes a lower level sideline ticket for David Beckhams only scheduled appearance in Columbus this year with the LA Galaxy on September 30.� These tickets are $26 each as well, so the price of each ticket package is only $52 and available for sale now on the Bucks web site.� The last few sets of tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.� The Crew have announced that the September 30 game featuring English superstar Beckham has been sold out to the general public and the only tickets left for sale are behind the goal and sold in three game packages. As the minor league affiliate of the Crew, the Bucks have not only been invited to play their last regular season home game in Columbus, but have been given the opportunity to offer their fans these much coveted quality seats for both dates.
The Great Lakes Division leading Bucks will look to clinch a playoff spot for the eleventh time in twelve years this Saturday night when they take on the West Michigan Edge at Lake Orion High School
(7:00 PM kick off).� Tickets for Saturday nights match are $10 Adults (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free) and are available at the gate.� The Bucks final regular season home game in the area will be Friday, July 20th at Rochester High School (7:00 PM) when they will take on the Toronto Lynx.� The Bucks then close the regular season schedule with a home game at Columbus Crew Stadium against the Ft. Wayne Fever on Sunday, July 22nd.
For further information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
BUCKS UNBEATEN STREAK ENDS AT 19 WITH 2-1 LOSS IN CLEVELAND
(July 7, 2007) --The PDL champion Michigan Bucks team record 19 game unbeaten streak came to an end with a 2-1 loss against the Cleveland Internationals at John Carroll University.� The Bucks lackluster start allowed the motivated International team to jump out to an early lead before the Bucks were reduced to playing two men down for the majority of the second half.� Bucks back up goal keeper Mitch Hildenbrandt (high school senior, Livonia Stevenson) got his first start in a Bucks uniform and was rudely greeted with a second minute rebound goal from Matt Tudich.� While the Bucks continued to sleep walk through the first half, the Internationals scored a second goal off a corner kick just five minutes later.� The 2-0 lead did not faze the Great Lakes Division leaders, as they continued to create chances and should have cut the lead in half before halftime.
The second half has been the signature 45 minutes for the Bucks, as they have scored the majority of their goals after the stroke of half time.� The 2-0 lead was not an issue, as the Bucks came out ready to reclaim the lead in the second half.� That feat would become much more of a challenge when the Bucks had two players sent off with straight red card fouls within nine minutes of play early in the second half.� Bucks coach Dan Fitzgerald was at a loss for words when asked about the unprecedented send offs.� Part of his lack of explanation was due to the Bucks policy of not publicly commenting on controversial referee decisions and part due to absolute astonishment of the decisions.� "I have been playing and coaching for over 3- years and I do not ever remember seeing two straight red card send offs by a referee in any game.� I think our team has a total of 7 yellow cards combined for the first 11 games, and in ten minutes, we lose two players.� If I was allowed to tell you how wrong this is, I would, but let's not forget that Cleveland scored two goals while we had eleven men.� If we don't give up the two goals, the two lost players are much less of an issue."
While many first place teams would have just relaxed and not worried about the possible blemish on their record, the Bucks players did what they are known for; playing attacking Bucks soccer.� Although the Bucks played the last 35 minutes two men down, they dominated the play and held possession of the ball and the game for the majority of the time.� �It took nine minutes of playing down two men before Kenny Uzoigwe beat three International defenders and scored another one of his signature unassisted goals in the 69th minute.� The Bucks continued to press and create opportunities, but could not get the tying goal.� The loss leaves the Bucks with a record of 8-1-3 with four regular season home games remaining.� While losing their first PDL game in over a year, Bucks owner Dan Duggan was surprisingly optimistic considering the circumstances.� "As much as I hate to lose any game, we know that no PDL team has ever gone undefeated and won the championship.� There are a lot of reasons for that and now we don't have to deal with any of them.� We are now in the same position we were a year ago-� go undefeated the last four regular season games and 4-0 in the playoffs and we will retain our title.� There are no other outside distractions."� Added the Bucks local strategist, "you can never expect to play nearly half a game against a quality team, being down two men, on the road and get something positive from it.� �But I have to tell you, we identified some very important qualities tonight that will help up in critical situations later in the season.� Several of our players dominated a game while playing shorthanded, when it would have been very easy to just coast and get through 90 minutes.� Give credit to Cleveland for taking care of business tonight- but we learned in a losing effort what needs to be done to defend our title.� It won't be easy, but it can be done."
The Bucks return home on Saturday, July 14 at Lake Orion High School at 7:00 when they take on the third place West Michigan Edge.� Tickets are $10 Adults (over 16) and $5 Youth (under 5 free) and available at the gate.� Tickets for the Bucks doubleheader at Crew Stadium in Columbus on July 22 and for the David Beckham game in Columbus on September 30 are on sale now at the Bucks web site.
�For more information, visit the team web site at .
Michigan Bucks vs. Cleveland Internationals
John Carroll University
July 7, 2007
Lineups:
Michigan: 1-Mitch Hildenbrandt, 23-Eric Brunner, 14-Alex Morisset, 3-Mike Holody, 12-Joe Donoho (red card '60), 17-Piotr Nowak (4-Kyle Russell '74), 16-Nik Djokic (red card '54), 8-Nate Jafta, 21-Khelli Dube 11-Steve Bonnell (22-Ian Daniel '68), 10-Kenny Uzoigwe
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Chicago: 19-Alex Fatovic, 6-Mitch Boyer, 23-Jon Brickman, 17-Patrick Coleman (25-Josh Williams '74) 3-Geoff Marsh, 8-Steve Gillespie, 5-Chris Korb, 14-Mike Nanchoff, 2-Corey Sipos, 11-Shakir McCoy
(4-Joe Moore '59), 26-Matt Tutich
Head Coach: Tony Dore
Scoring Summary:
CLE-- Matt Tutich (Shakir McCoy) '2
CLE -- Corey Sipos (Mike Nanchoff) '7
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe, 9 (unassisted) '69
Misconduct Summary:
CLE -- Matt Tutich (caution) '51
MICH -- Nik Djokic (ejection) '54
MICH -- Joe Donoho (ejection) '60
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe (caution) '82
CLE -- Mike Nanchoff (caution) '82
CLE -- Joe Moore (caution) '87
Shots: Michigan 8, Cleveland 11
Saves: Michigan 4, Cleveland 4
Fouls: Michigan 16, Cleveland 17
Offsides: Michigan 3, Cleveland 4
Corners: Michigan 4, Cleveland 3
Referees:� Sorin Stoica, Mike McMullen, Joe Cradluporough, Mladen Herrura
UZOIGWES LATE MAGIC DOUSES FIRE 2-1; BUCKS RUN LEAGUE UNBEATEN STREAK TO 19
Bridgeview, IL (July 3, 2007) -- Michigan Bucks super-sub Kenny Uzoigwe came off the bench in the second half to score his third game winning goal of the season; one that would challenge for PDL goal of the year in the Bucks 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire Premier.� The defending PDL Champion Bucks would continue their dominance over their Great Lakes Division rival during the past twelve months (three consecutive victories), as they look to reclaim the division title from Chicago for the first time since 2001.� Remarked Coach Dan Fitzgerald after the game, Chicago has been the champion of this division long enough.� We dominated the Great Lakes from 1996-2000 and they have done the same the past six years.� It is about time we reverse that.� With the win, the Bucks (8-0-3, 27 points) move further ahead of the Fire (6-3-4, 22 points) with the season sweep and are one of only three unbeaten teams of the 63 clubs in the PDL.� The Bucks last league loss goes back one full�year, when they were last beaten by Chicago.
This match was the normal physical battle played between the two clubs and was filled with excellent ball handling and counter attacking for the full 90 minutes.� The Bucks would strike first in the 19th minute when Ty Shipalane (Lindsey Wilson) blew by two defenders and sent a cross along the six yard box that was neatly slotted home by Bucks leading scorer Khelli Dube (Coastal Carolina).� Dubes ninth goal of the season would not hold up into halftime as Chicago won a mad scramble in front of Bucks goal keeper Steve Clark (Oakland) who made two fine saves before the third rebound was put by him for a 1-1 tie.
The Bucks continued to pound the offensive end of the pitch in the second half and squandered several fine counter attacking chances that could have put the game away.� But as usual, when all else fails, bring on Kenny to finish the job.� Uzoigwe created several great opportunities, but the one he finished will go down as the goal of his career.� In the 86th minute, with the score still tied at 1-1, the crafty forward from Toledo stole the ball from a Fire defender and found himself all alone at the corner flag.� After turning his defender twice, Uzoigwe calmly nut megged him from outside the end line, pushed the ball twice from the corner and somehow curled a shot from an impossible angle into the side netting for the game winner.� After the game, Kenny could only smile and reinforce his positive role on the team.� I am just happy to be a part of this great organization.� I promised (Bucks owner Dan Duggan) DD that I would make a difference in this game tonight because we know how important this win is to everyone in our organization.� I know he would have liked me to do it much earlier in the game, but I believe he is quite satisfied with my ability to deliver on my promise.� We still have a lot more work to do, but getting a season sweep over Chicago is a huge accomplishment.
The Bucks will look to increase their record unbeaten streak to 20 games with a road game this Saturday night, July 7 at John Carroll University, where they meet the Cleveland Internationals for the third and final time this season.� The Bucks will then return home on Saturday, July 14 against the West Michigan Edge at Lake Orion High School.� Kick off for both of these matches is 7:00 PM.
TICKETS TO SEE DAVID BECKHAM, COLUMBUS CREW AND THE BUCKS ARE GOING FAST!
The Bucks special ticket packages to see the double header Michigan Bucks/Ft. Wayne Fever and the Columbus Crew/ Toronto FC Major League Soccer game on Sunday, July 22 at Crew Stadium are moving fast.� Ticket packages include the two games on July 22 and a ticket to Beckhams only scheduled visit to Columbus this year on September 30 and are available by going to the Bucks web site and clicking on the Crew/Beckham ticket link.� Tickets that include the bus trip to Columbus on July 22 need to be ordered by this weekend.
For more information, visit the team web site at .
Michigan Bucks vs. Chicago Fire Premier
Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL
July 3, 2007
Lineups:
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 22-Ian Daniel, 3-Mike Holody, 4-Kyle Russell, 23-Eric Brunner, 14-Alex Morisset, 17-Piotr Nowak, 7-Ty Shipalane (16-Nik Djokic '38), 8-Nate Jafta, 21-Khelli Dube (12-Joe Donoho '88), 18-Doug DeMartin (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '52)
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Chicago: 0-Patrick Sperry, 31-Geoff Fallon, 55-Rauwshan McKenzie, 59-Drew Ratner, 48-Matthew Witt, 34-Drew DeGurian (red card '77), 43-Kyle Knotek (56-Nikola Katic '80), 44-David Roth, 46-Cesar Zambrano (30-Michael Stephens '54), 45-Neil Hlavaty (40-Braden Fleak '68), 36-Peri Marosevic
(41-Marcus McCarty '81)
Head Coach: Larry Sunderland
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Khelli Dube, 9 (Ty Shipalane, 5) '19
CHI -- Drew Degurian (David Roth) '41
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe, 8 (unassisted) '86
Misconduct Summary:
MICH -- Nate Jafta (caution) '36
CHI -- David Roth (caution) '44
CHI -- Drew DeGurian (caution) '48
CHI -- Drew DeGurian (caution) '77
CHI -- Drew Degurian (ejection) '77
CHI -- Marcus McCarty (caution) '90
Shots: Michigan 10, Chicago 4
Saves: Michigan 1, Chicago �0
Fouls: Michigan 13, Chicago 8
Offsides: Michigan 5, Chicago 1
Corners: Michigan 3, Chicago 4
LIMITED TICKETS ON SALE FOR BUCKS/CREW/DAVID BECKHAM TRIPLE HEADER�
Rochester, MI (June 28, 2007) --�The 2006 Premier Development League (PDL) North American Champion Michigan Bucks have announced ticket information on their upcoming home game on Sunday, July 22 at Columbus Crew Stadium against the Ft. Wayne Fever (1:00 kickoff).� As part of the Bucks/Crew relationship, the Bucks have acquired 100 sets of tickets for the Bucks/Fever game, followed by the MLS doubleheader between the Columbus Crew and Toronto FC.� In addition, the special package the Bucks have for sale immediately also includes a ticket for David Beckhams only scheduled game in Columbus this year when the LA Galaxy visit Columbus on September 30.� Individual tickets for the Beckham game are NOT available through the Crew, as there are only several hundred unsold tickets (which are only available through ticket packages).�
The tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis with priority going to those who sign up for the Bus package (which will leave from the Detroit area on the morning of Sunday, July 22 and return after the MLS game).� All ticket packages include the Bucks Ultimate Tailgate party in the Crew VIP tent between matches.� In addition to food and beverage, the Bucks will be giving away autographed merchandise, tickets, etc and an autograph session will be available for the kids.
The following packages are available: �
Ultimate Bus Trip:� includes a round trip bus ticket to and from the Detroit area on July 22, the Ultimate Tailgate Party, sideline ticket to both matches AND a sideline ticket to the Beckham game on September 30:� PRICE $98 per person.�� The bus package is limited to the first 47 passengers that sign up and pay for their package.�
Triple Header Package:� includes sideline tickets to the double header on July 22 and the Ultimate Tailgate Party AND a sideline ticket to the Beckham game on September 30.� PRICE $72 per person.
JULY 22 Double Header:� includes individual tickets to the July 22 double header and the Ultimate Tailgate Party.� PRICE $39 per person.�
Please visit the Bucks website and click on the Crew/Beckham ticket link to fill out the order form.� Orders can be faxed to 1-231-882-7985 or e-mailed to .� All orders will be processed as of the time and date the fax or e-mail is received at headquarters.�If we do not get 47 people to use the bus service by Monday, July 9, the Bucks will contact the Ultimate Bus trip customers and give them the option of either choosing the Triple Header package (and driving themselves to the game) or canceling the order.� All Ultimate Bus Trip orders will either be confirmed, revised or cancelled by Wednesday, July 11.� In the event that there is not sufficient interest in using the bus service, it will still allow all fans ten days to make alternative plans.
�For more information, visit the team web site at .
BUCKS SET UNBEATEN STREAK RECORD AT 18 GAMES WITH
5-1 ROMP IN SAGINAW
Saginaw, MI (June 24, 2007) -- The 2006 Premier Development League (PDL) North American Champion Michigan Bucks (7-0-3) continued their dominance in the Great Lakes Division with a convincing 5-1 win over the Indiana Invaders last night in the team's return to Saginaw.� Last night's PDL match was played in front of the fourth largest Saginaw crowd in team history (942) as part of the 14th Annual Saginaw 7-11 Soccer Classic at the Saginaw Soccer Complex.� The Bucks started their storied career based out of Saginaw from 1996 to 2001, before moving the franchise south to the Detroit area.� This year's team paid tribute to the great Mid-Michigan Buck's teams, by breaking out the same uniforms the Bucks wore in their classic US Open Cup matches against MLS teams in 1999 and 2000 for pre-game warm-ups.� The homecoming overflow crowd was not only treated to a dominating Bucks performance on the field, but to a halftime presentation that saw the latest three Bucks legends inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.
The boys from Michigan got the scoring started early when defender Eric Brunner (Ohio State) headed home a free kick from team scoring leader Khelli Dube (Coastal Carolina) in the 5th minute.� Bucks nemesis Saidi Isaac tied the game in the 18th minute, tallying his fourth goal of the season against the Bucks.� Isaac has four of the six goals the Bucks have surrendered in the first ten games this year.� Michigan kept constant pressure on the Invaders defense and would have blown the game wide open before halftime if not for several stellar saves by Indiana goal keeper Justin Holmes.� Dube kept his constant high pressure the entire first half and was unlucky to not be credited for the Bucks second goal when he forced a defensive error that was credited as an own goal in the 39th minute.
The second half started as the first half ended, with the Bucks pressing furiously looking to create turnovers and mistakes from the Indiana defense.� They finally broke through for the third goal in the 69th minute when Kyle Russell's throw-in bounced into the box, only to be pounced on by second half super sup Kenny Uzoigwe.� Kenny beat goal keeper Holmes to the ball and slotted home his first goal of the night to make the score 3-1.� Kenny continued to impress the excited crowd with his speed and skill when he darted into the penalty area in the 85th minute, only to be sandwiched and pulled down by a pair of Invader defenders.� Uzoigwe slotted home the PK for a 4-1 margin.� Khelli Dube scored another brilliant goal in mop up time, as he converted a pass from George Josten (Gonzaga).�
The Bucks 2007 class of the Hall of Fame included former player (1998-99) Benji Djeukeng, original head coach Steve Burns (1996-1999) and former Bucks co-owner and general manager (1996-2005) Jim Duggan.� The three Bucks legends, who all have ties to the original team in Saginaw, join the 2002 class inductees Tino Scicluna and Paul Snape.� The highlight of the evening was Djeukeng's fond memories of his two summers in Saginaw where he lived, worked, did camps and grew to appreciate the fine people of Mid Michigan on a personal basis.� "I was touched beyond words when I learned I was selected for this great honor," said the humbled Cameroon native.� "I was not sure I would be able to make the game due to work and family commitments.� But when Dan [Duggan] told me we were doing it in Saginaw, I told my boss and wife that I had to be there.� This is where I became a professional soccer player, where the Bucks started and where I gained my first real experience in dealing with soccer people and coaching young kids.� I love this place and judging from the incredible crowd tonight, this place still loves and appreciates the Bucks and what they have done to help develop soccer in Mid Michigan over the past twelve years."
The Bucks look forward to a week off before traveling to Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL to take on the second place Chicago Fire Premier on Tuesday, July 3.� The Bucks next home game is Saturday, July 14 at 7:00 against the West Michigan Edge at Lake Orion High School.� The team will be making a special announcement early in the week about tickets for their upcoming game at Columbus Crew Stadium on July 22, as well as an opportunity to see David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy when they visit Columbus later this year.� �A limited amount of tickets have been given to the Bucks to sell to their INSIDERS and will go on sale this Tuesday.
�For more information, visit the team web site at .
Indiana Invaders vs. Michigan Bucks
Saginaw Soccer Complex
June 23, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Eric Brunner 2 (Khelli Dube 2) '5
IND -- Saidi Isaac (Ryan Stewart) '18
MICH -- own goal (Greg Preciado)
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 6 (unassisted) '69
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 7 (penalty kick) '85
MICH -- Khelli Dube 8 (George Josten 1) '90+
Lineups:
Indiana: 1-Justin Holmes, 22-Hugo Gonzalez, 7-Michael Giffin (26-Serginho Sandy '69), 24-Andrew Benton, 17-Ryan Stewart, 15-Justin Murrow, 5-Arran Horton (21-Eric Meister '57), 20-Dave Donohue, 25-Kyle Dagan (4-Greg Preciado '37), 3-Mamba Chisoni, 12-Saidi Isaac
Head Coach: Rick King
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 22-Ian Daniel, 3-Mike Holody (12-Joe Donoho '88), 4-Kyle Russell, 23-Eric Brunner, 16-Nik Djokic (13-John Palladino '85), 14-Alex Morisset, 17-Piotr Nowak, 7-Ty Shipalane
(11-Steve Bonnell '88), 21-Khelli Dube, 6-Xavier Balc (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '59, 9-George Josten '90+)
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Misconduct Summary
IND -- Ryan Stewart (caution) '34
MICH -- Mike Holody (caution) '40
IND -- Samba Chisoni (caution) '45+
IND Michael Giffin (caution) 54
MICH Kenny Uzoigwe (caution) 63
IND Serginho Sandy (caution) 76
Shots: Indiana 8, Michigan 20�
Saves: Indiana 11, Michigan 3
Fouls: Indiana 15, Michigan 18
Offsides: Indiana 4, Michigan 4
Corners: Indiana 5, Michigan 7
Referees:
BUCKS MATCH ALL TIME UNBEATEN STREAK AT 17 WITH 1-1 TIE AT WEST MICHIGAN
Grand Rapids, MI (June 21, 2007) -- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks matched their twelve year history unbeaten steak at 17 games when they tied the West Michigan Edge 1-1 last night in Grand Rapids.� As much as the team was disappointed it did not finish the game with a victory, it makes for great drama as the team returns to their original home in Saginaw on Saturday night when they take on the Indiana Invaders to try and set another team record.� Saturday night's match will be played at 8:00 PM as part of the� 14th Annual Saginaw 7-11 Saginaw Soccer Classic and will be free admission thanks to several of the Bucks sponsors that have purchased the game and made it free to the general public.
�
The Bucks fell behind to the Edge last night 1-0 on a goal from Tom Oatley in the 37th minute on a nice pass from Jake Stacey.� The usually prepared second half quick strike offense was on again for the defending North American Champs, as speedy winger Ty Shipalane (Lindsey Wilson) was taken down in the penalty box and the Bucks were awarded a penalty kick in the 47th minute.� Captain Mike Holody (Michigan) drove home the tying goal that seemed to bring life into the Bucks.� Both teams continued to battle throughout the second half with the Bucks nearly pulling off their usual late minute heroics.� But this time, fate would not be on their side.� Kenny Uzoigwe has made a living by scoring second half goals for the Bucks the past two seasons, but he was thwarted by the goal post in stoppage time after having dribbled the Edge goal keeper.� Only a minute later, Michigan leading scorer Khelli Dube broke in on goal but had his high strike tipped over the bar as time expired.� The tie leaves the Bucks undefeated and atop the Great Lakes Division (6-0-3), while the Edge moved to 4-4-3 on the year for third place.
�
Saturday night's return to Saginaw will be the Bucks first return "home" since they moved the team to Detroit in 2002 after having five successful years in Mid Michigan.� As a special treat for the return visit, the Bucks will be retiring three former members of the early team that have had a significant impact on soccer in Saginaw, the state of Michigan and across the country.� Joining current Bucks stars in the Hall, Paul Snape and Tino Scicluna, will be former coach Steve Burns, player Benji Djeukeng and former GM and co-owner of the team, Jim Duggan.� The special presentation will take place at half-time of the Bucks/Invaders match.� Since bleacher seating will be limited and the all tournament teams are encouraged to attend, fans will be invited to bring their own chairs to enjoy the festival seating arrangement that will surround most of the field.
�
For further information and directions to the Saginaw Soccer complex, please visit the Bucks website at buckssoccer.com and click on the schedule link.
Michigan Bucks vs. West Michigan Edge
Crestwood Middle School
June 20, 2007
Lineups:
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 22-Ian Daniel, 3-Mike Holody, 4-Kyle Russell, 12-Joe Donoho, 16-Nik Djokic, 14-Alex Morisset, 13-John Palladino (17-Piotr Nowak '78), 7-Ty Shipalane, 21-Khelli Dube, 10-Kenny Uzoigwe
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
West Michigan: 0-Chris Austin, 16-Eric Alexander (26-Michael Park '89), 14-Tom Oatley, 20-Zach Scaffidi (20-Dustin Snyder '89), 7-Jake Stacy, 10-Kenzo Webster (12-Joel DeLass '73), 17-Scott Blandford, 18-Greg Janicki, 2-BJ Goodman, 6-Dave Hertel, 21-Peter Hill
Head Coach: Mark Bell
Scoring Summary:
WMICH - Tom Oatley (Jake Stacy) '39
MICH - Mike Holody (penalty kick) '47
�
Shots: West Michigan 5, Michigan 13
Saves: West Michigan 4, Michigan 2
Fouls: West Michigan 11, Michigan 8
Offsides: West Michigan 2, Michigan 1
Corners: West Michigan 5, Michigan 4
Referees: Jason White, Chris Haack, Adam Trial, Scott Rose
NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION BUCKS COME HOME TO SAGINAW ONE LAST TIME; THREE BUCKS LEGENDS TO BE INDUCTED AT HALF TIME
�
SPONSORS BUY GATE; FREE ADMISSION TO ALL!(June 20, 2007) - �The 2006 North American PDL Champion Michigan Bucks are coming home to Saginaw for one last home game.� Originally started in 1996 as the Mid-Michigan Bucks, based out of Saginaw, the United Soccer League (USL) Premier Development Leagues (PDL) finest franchise will celebrate last years first championship with a rare home game as part of the Saginaw Youth Soccer tournament on Saturday, June 23rd.� The best part is that admission for everyone is free thanks to Bucks local soccer sponsors, who wanted to make sure that the Champion's return home could be experienced by all�soccer fans in Mid Michigan.� The Bucks will take on old rival, the Indiana Invaders as they try to retain their hold on first place in the Great Lakes Division this season.� The Bucks (6-0-3) and Invaders (3-2-2) played to a thrilling 3-3 tie on Memorial Day that sent the Bucks into their record setting seventh US Open Cup tournament.�� The match will be played at 8:00 PM at the 14th Annual Saginaw 7-11 Soccer Classic.� In addition to the top level match, the Bucks will have a very special half time celebration where they will induct three Bucks legends into the Michigan Bucks Hall of Fame.�
Joining Bucks Hall of Famers Paul Snape and Tino Scicluna, will be three individuals that were instrumental in the initial success the Bucks had in the first five years, including hosting two US Open Cup games against Major League Soccer (MLS) teams and a National Championship Final Four.� Being inducted will be Bucks original head coach Steve Burns, player Benji Djeukeng and Bucks former owner and General Manager Jim Duggan (Saginaw resident).�
Burns coached the Bucks from 1996-1999, including taking the team up against Carlos Valderrama and the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer before a sold out crowd of�nearly 5,000�at White Pine Stadium on July 12, 1999.� As head coach, Burns took the Bucks to the national finals in each of his first two years before leaving to take the head coaching job with the University of Michigan mens team.� Djeukeng was a fan favorite of all Saginaw Bucks fans, as he resided there for several summers while leading the Bucks team in 1999.� Djeukeng went on to play professional soccer in the A League (second level in the US system) before retiring and coaching at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky.� Duggan retired after the 2005 season, having built the club for the first ten years with brother Dan to become one of the country's all time leading PDL programs in history.� The Bucks have set records in over a dozen categories over the years, including most wins, most playoff appearances and the�most success in US Open Cup history at the PDL level.� Both of the Duggans and the Bucks were inducted into the USL Hall of Fame in 2005.� Jim is living with his wife Dr. Stephanie Duggan and three kids in Saginaw Township and all are still very active in the community.�
This will be a special night for all of us, said Bucks owner Dan Duggan.� We are coming home where we have fond memories and great fans that supported us when we first started this team twelve years ago.�� It was a sad day when we left Saginaw in 2002, but we knew one day we would come back to share the championship trophy in the place where it all started.� What will really make the night special will be the half time ceremony when these three soccer greats will be rightfully honored for their commitment to not only the Bucks, but soccer in Saginaw and the state of Michigan.� Most people have no idea of the impact these gentlemen have had on soccer in the area over the years.� Without a doubt, the two greatest soccer nights in Michigan (other than the World Cup) came at White Pine Stadium, where we played Tampa Bay to the last minute and the epic overtime game against the Miami Fusion in 2000 when we scored in overtime to win, only to have the goal stolen away by the referee.� Every time I come to Saginaw, someone brings up that game as if it happened only yesterday.� Hopefully we can give you another thriller at part of the Saginaw Youth tournament.
Admission to Saturday night's match is free to all thanks to�some of the Bucks sponsors that teamed up to make this all possible.� Supporting both the Michigan Bucks and soccer�throughout the state of Michigan to make this game possible for free are the Oakland University Soccer camps,�University of Michigan soccer camps, Michigan State�University soccer camps and the Michigan Soccer Association.� The Bucks would like to thank each of these dedicated sponsors for their role this year and ask for your continued support of each of these generous organizations.�
�For more information, visit the team web site at
. BUCKS RUN UNBEATEN STREAK TO 16 GAMES WITH 4-0 WIN AGAINST TORONTO
(June 15, 2007) -- The 2006 Premier Development League (PDL) North American Champion Michigan Bucks took out their US Open Cup frustration on the Toronto Lynx at Saline High School tonight, 4-0.� The Bucks and Lynx started off the game fairly even, but the undefeated division leaders finally took command with the first goal in the 33rd minute.� Bucks leading scorer Khelli Dube (Coastal Carolina) swung a corner kick that was deflected by John Palladino (Gonzaga) and fell at the feet of Ian Daniel (Oakland) for his first goal of the year.� The Bucks would continue to push the attack until the 45th minute, when Lindsey Wilson teammates Nate Jafta and Ty Shipalane hooked up for a classic "buckssoccer" goal.� Jafta blew by his defender and slotted a 20 yard pass to Shipalane, who picked out the side netting just before halftime.
The Bucks came out in the second half with the same fire that they closed the first half with and looked to put the game away early.� After a Lynx foul outside the top of the right corner of the box, free kick specialist John Palladino coolly slotted home a shot to put Michigan up 3-0.� The Bucks would continue to press the rest of the night but could only muster one last tally when Jafta found his reliable second half running mate Kenny Uzoigwe free in the box to perform his magic.� Kenny banged home his fifth goal of the season, and second against Toronto this year.� The Bucks ran their record to 6-0-2 on the season and increased their unbeaten streak to 16 games, dating back to last year.� The defending champions will look to equal their� club record 17 game winning streak when they take on the West Michigan Edge next Wednesday.
The Bucks will return home to Saginaw on Saturday, June 23 when they take on the Indiana Invaders as part of the 14th annual Saginaw 7-11 Soccer Classic at 8:00.� This will be the Bucks first return game to Saginaw since they moved to Detroit in 2002.� On Saturday, the Bucks will also be inducting three important members into the Michigan Bucks Hall of Fame.� Joining current members Paul Snape and Tino Scicluna are Bucks original head coach Steve Burns, fan favorite player Benji Djeukeng and former Bucks owner and General Manager Jim Duggan.� Ticket information for the Bucks return to Saginaw will be released this week.
�For more information, visit the team web site at
Toronto Lynx vs. Michigan Bucks
Saline High School
June 15, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Ian Daniel (John Palladino) '33
MICH -- Ty Shipalane (Nate Jafta) '45+
MICH -- John Palladino (Free Kick) '48
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe (Nate Jafta) '78
Lineups:
Toronto: 00-Chris Baker, 24-Rick Titus, 18-Jamie Fairweather (10-Daniel Revivo '46),
9-Frank Jonke, 20-Kayin Jeffers, 8-Tristan Murray (21-Dominic Oppong '72), 5-Alex Rhue Litschke (11-Chris Deabrew '53), 12-Mikael McNamara (13-Kevin Omokhua '32), Sergio DeLuca, 14-Murphy Wiredu (35-Luke Stedmond '60)
Subs not used: 1-Jon Paul Piques
Head Coach: Duncan Wilde
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark (1-Mitch Hildenbrandt '83), 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell, 14-Alex Morriset (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '71), 7-Ty Shiplane (16-Nik Djokic '61),
13-John Palladino (17-Piotr Nowak '65), 8-Nate Jafta (9-George Josten '79), 23-Eric Brunner, 21-Khelli Dube, 18-Doug DeMartin (6-Xavier Balc '55)
Subs not used: 12-Joe Donoho
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
�
Misconduct Summary
TOR -- Alex Rhue Litschke '34 (caution)
TOR -- Rick Titus '36 (caution)
TOR -- Sergio DeLuca '68 (caution)
MICH -- Eric Brunner '90+ (caution)
Shots: Toronto 7, Michigan 19
Saves: Toronto 5, Michigan 0
Fouls: Toronto 14, Michigan 11
Offsides: Toronto 3, Michigan 0
Corners: Toronto 2, Michigan 7
News Archive
RICHMOND KICKS BUCKS OUT OF 2007 OPEN CUP, 4-2
Richmond, VA� (June 12, 2007)-� �The 2006 USL-2 champion Richmond Kickers knocked out the PDL champion Michigan Bucks from the First Round of the US Open Cup tournament last night at UR Stadium by a final score of 4-2.� The home team jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead on restart goals from the Kickers in the 17th and 36th minutes.� The Bucks inability to close down the set pieces eventually led to their demise, as goal keeper Steve Clark (Oakland) had no chance to save either.� � The local crowd disbursed as the rain and lighting set in at halftime, causing a delay of over 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Not to be discouraged by the delay, the Bucks came out in the second half and took the action to the professional side, creating several great scoring opportunities.� After pounding the Richmond goal for most of the second half, the Kickers looked to have iced the game with a goal in the 70th minute, to make the score 3-0.� The youngsters had no quit in them on this night and proceeded to score the next two goals within three minutes to make the score close.� Bucks coach Dan Fitzgerald substituted Xavier Balc (Ohio State) and Nic Djokic into the Bucks second half lineup.� The two spark plugs combined for two goals in the 73rd and 76th minute, as Djokic put the Bucks back within reach.� As the Bucks pushed forward to collect the all important game tying goal, Richmond iced the game with a fourth strike in the 86th minute to send them on to the Second Round of the US Open Cup Tournament to host the Cleveland City Stars (USL-2).
The Kickers played a great game of soccer tonight, said Bucks owner Dan Duggan.� They were smart, disciplined and tough minded enough to hold off our late match comeback.� Give them all the credit, as they are a fine team and we wish them all the best as they continue to represent the USL is their quest of bringing home the Lamar Hunt trophy.
The Bucks return to Premier Development League (PDL) action at home this Friday night when they have a rematch with the Toronto Lynx at Saline High School (south of Ann Arbor) at 7:30 PM.� Tickets are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free).
�For more information, visit the team web site at .
Michigan Bucks vs. Richmond Kickers
University of Richmond Stadium
June 12, 2007
Scoring Summary:
RICH -- Robert Ssejjemba '7
RICH -- Trevor McEachron '36
RICH -- Sascha Gorres '70
MICH -- Nik Djokic '73
MICH -- Nik Djokic '76
RICH -- Matt Watson '86
Lineups
Richmond: 22-Ronnie Pascale, 7-Trevor McEachron, 5-Kelvin Jones, 16-Steven Wolfe,
15-Evan Harding, 23-Sascha Gorres, 19-Mike Burke, 18-Matt Watson, 17-Ihor Dotsenko, 10-David Bulow, 14-Robert Ssejjemba (11-Nowaf Jaman 77)
Head Coach: Leigh Colishaw
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 4-Kyle Russell (23-Eric Brunner 45), 12-Joe Donoho (18-Doug DeMartin 86), 22-Ian Daniel (16-Nik Djokic 45), 17-Piotr Nowak, 14-Alex Morisset, 7-Ty Shiplane (6-Xavier Balc 66), 8-Nate Jafta, 21-Mkhokheli Dube, 10-Kenny Uzoiqwe
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
BUCKS TO BEGIN PLAY IN RECORD SEVENTH US OPEN CUP TONIGHT IN RICHMOND
Richmond, VA� (June 12, 2007)-� �The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks begin play in their Premier Development League (PDL) record seventh Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament since originally being eligible in 1997.� The Bucks have enjoyed great success in past Open Cups, having only been eliminated by the legendary Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) and five different Major League Soccer teams (all in later rounds).� Tonight the Bucks play the USL-2 defending champion Richmond Kickers on the road, in what is sure to be one of the most attractive matches of this evenings First Round Cup action.� This will be the first time in the history of the tournament where the defending champions from the United Soccer Leagues (USL) second and third division will do battle for the rights to host a Second Round match up on Tuesday, June 26.� If the Bucks win, they will host the winner of the Cleveland (USL-2)/ Kansas City (PDL) match at Berkleys Hurley Field.� Although the prospects of hosting a Round Two match in Detroit is appealing, it is the furthest thing from the mind of second year head coach Dan Fitzgerald.� This will be the toughest USL-2 team we have ever faced (the sixth in history) in Richmond tonight and we know we are in for a very difficult game.� The Kickers are strong, fast, and big and will have a huge crowd behind them.� They will be highly motivated knowing they will host a Round Two game as well with a victory tonight.
The Bucks come into tonights match undefeated in PDL play, with a record of 5-0-2, including five shutouts.� �They will have to rely on both a stellar defensive effort and a quick strike offense to try and get up early on the professional side and try to take the crowd out of the game.� We know what needs to be done, said Bucks assistant coach Brett Jacobs.� We need another effort like Laredo to try and get control of the game early.� Jacobs was of course referring to last years North American championship match where the Bucks scored two goals in the first ten minutes to quiet the Texas crowd of over 7,000.�
About the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
Dating back to 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in United States soccer and is among the oldest in the world.� Open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States, the annual U.S. Open Cup is an 94-year-old single-elimination tournament. In a nutshell, the U.S. Open Cup is very similar to domestic cup competitions popular throughout Europe, South America and the rest of the world.� Cup competitions, which usually run concurrent with a countrys league season, are open in the early stages to any club that can qualify, giving local amateur teams a chance to compete against the best teams a country has to offer.
The Bucks return to action at home this Friday night when they have a rematch with the Toronto Lynx at Saline High School (south of Ann Arbor) at 7:30 PM.� Tickets are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free).
�For more information, visit the team web site at .� To follow all of tonights first round action of the US Open Cup, please go to .
BUCKS CRUISE 5-0 IN CLEVELAND; OPEN CUP SHOWDOWN NEXT
Cleveland, OH (June 8, 2007)-� �The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks had a much easier time with the Cleveland Internationals the second time around, as they cruised to a 5-0 win to secure their spot in first place in the Great Lakes Division in the United Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL).� The Bucks (5-0-2) stellar defense racked up their league leading fifth shutout in seven games, all registered by goalkeeper Steve Clark (Oakland).� Mike Holody (Michigan), the Bucks iron man in the back line celebrated his selection to the PDL Team of the Week by turning in another solid performance in front of Clark.
As usual, the Bucks relied on their quick strike offense to simplify matters.� Tonight it took only four minutes for Cleveland native Xavier Balc (Ohio State) to find his Big Ten teammate Doug DeMartin (Michigan State), who smacked home the first goal of the evening.� In the 26th minute, Alex Morisette (Michigan) found a wide open Khelli Dube (Coastal Carolina) on the right side.� Dube ripped a blast into the side netting from 15 yards out that gave the Bucks a 2-0 lead.� Dube would continue his dominant play to grab man of the match honors, when he added an assist on Balc's first goal of the year (46th minute) and scored his team leading seventh goal when he finished an incredible run and cross from Ty Shipalane (Lindsey Wilson).� �Bucks newcomers Steve Brust (Bradley) and Nic Djokic combined for the final goal in the closing minutes to finish the scoring.
The Bucks now turn to US Open Cup play when they travel to Richmond, VA Tuesday to take on the USL-2 Richmond Kickers (one level higher than the PDL Bucks in the professional soccer hierarchy).� The Bucks have had their way with the professional teams from the Second Division in the past US Open Cup tournaments, having beaten all five USL 2 teams they have played since their first entry into the Cup in 1997.� This year the Bucks game in Richmond should prove to be their toughest challenge to date.� The Kickers are the USL-2 National Champions from last year, so Tuesday's match will be the first time in Open Cup history when the defending PDL champs and defending USL-2 champs will go head to head.�
To keep up with the Bucks player statistics, schedule and progress throughout the season; please visit the team web site at .� For the most comprehensive coverage of the 2007 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament, please visit .
Michigan Bucks vs. Cleveland Internationals
St. Edwards High School
June 8, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Doug DeMartin (Xavier Balc) '4
MICH -- Khelli Dube (Alex Morisette) '26
MICH -- Xavier Balc (Khelli Dube) '47
MICH -- Khelli Dube (Ty Shipalane) '62
MICH -- Steve Brust (Nick Djokic) '89
Lineups:
Cleveland: 0-Evan Bush, 2-Corey Sipos, 18-Joe Nagbe (10-Jordan Webb '81), 5-Chris Korb, 13-Ryan Hall (16-Adam Ross '50), 6-Mitch Boyer, 26-Matt Tutich, 23-Jon Brickman, 7-Darlington Nagbe (9-Kevin Pitorak '65), 14-Michael Nanchoff, 8-Steve Gillespie (17-Kwame Oduro '60)
Subs not used: 12-Zach Lewis, 15-Rick King Jr., 21-Jason Whitehead
Head Coach: Tony Dore
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 12-Joe Donoho, 4-Kyle Russell (22-Ian Daniel '74), 14-Alex Morriset,�17-Piotr Nowak, 16-Nik Djokic, 7-Ty Shiplane (11-Steve Bonnell '69), 18-Doug DeMartin (9-George Josten '64) 6-Xavier Balc (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '55), 21-Khelli Dube (8-Nate Jafta '69)
Subs not used: 19-Steve Brust
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Misconduct Summary
CLE -- Chris Korb '20 (caution)
CLE -- Kevin Pitorak '76� (caution)
CLE -- Kwame Oduro 86 (caution)
Shots: Cleveland 7, Michigan�14
Saves: Cleveland 6, Michigan�5
Fouls: Cleveland 14, Michigan�8
Offsides: Cleveland 2, Michigan�1
Corners: Cleveland 3, Michigan�3
Referees: Daniel Durnell, Matthew Kinder, Andrew Coffman, Michael Kinder
BUCKS SURVIVE MARATHON STRETCH; REMAIN UNDEFEATED UZOIGWE'S LAST MINUTE GOAL DOWNS LYNX, 2-1
Toronto, CA (June 3, 2007)-� �The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks (4-0-2) went north of the border today for a hard fought 2-1 win over the Toronto Lynx (0-2-2).� �Bucks striker Kenny Uzoigwe came off the bench again in the second half to head home the game winner in the 89th minute to keep the Bucks in first place in the Great Lakes Division of the United Soccer League's Premier Development League.� The match was a hard fought battle, which was scoreless at the half, but even at two yellow cards each.� Although the Lynx carried most of the offensive attack at the Bucks, goalkeeper Steve Clark (Oakland) was the player of the game, stopping ten shots in all, including three of the spectacular variety.
The Bucks opened the scoring in the 51st minute when second half sub Ty Shipalane (Lindsey Wilson) beat several defenders on his run into the box and slipped a neat pass across the goal line for leading scorer Nate Jafta (Lindsey Wilson) to flick past Lynx goalkeeper Chris Baker.� Jafta's third goal of the season (along with his six assists), keep him ahead of Khelli Dube (5g, 0a) and Uzoigwe (4g ,1a) as the Bucks leading scorer.� �After Toronto forward Tristan Murray evened the match with a goal off a free kick in the 69th minute, both teams continued their physical battle until late when Alex Morisette (Michigan) lofted a ball to the back post for Uzoigwe to nod home.
Sunday's match was the fifth game in ten days for the Bucks (including last Wednesday's exhibition with the Columbus Crew) and they achieved their goal of finishing the marathon stretch without a loss in the PDL schedule.� �The boys will get some much needed rest over the next week until they travel to Cleveland to play the Internationals on Friday night.� The team will then break up their PDL action and resume US Open Cup play on Tuesday, June 12 when they travel to Richmond, VA to take on the USL-2 professional defending champion Richmond Kickers.� The Bucks return home for their next home match on Friday, June 15 when they host a rematch with the Toronto Lynx at Saline High School (south of Ann Arbor).� Tickets for the game are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free) and available at the gate.
For more information, visit the team web site at .
Michigan Bucks vs. Toronto Lynx
June 03, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Nate Jafta (Ty Shipalane) '51
TOR -- Tristan Murray '69
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe (Alex Morisette) '89
�
Lineups:
�
Toronto: 00-Chris Baker, 5-Kurt Ruhe Lischke, 4-Erik DiLorenzo, 24-Rick Titus, 18-Jamie Fairweather, 11-Christopher Deabrew (8-Tristan Murray 45), 14-Murphy Wiredu (23-Elton Fernandes, 68), 12-Mikael McNamara (34-Dane Roberts, 55), 7-Cameron Medwin, 13-Kevin Omokhua (19-Nikola Miodrag, 87), 22-Jean Tshimpaka
Subs not used: 3-John Jonke, 16-Scott Rietze
Head Coach: Duncan Wilde
�
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell, 14-Alex Morriset,�17-Piotr Nowak, 8-Nate Jafta (13-John Palladino, 74), 18-Doug DeMartin (7-Ty Shiplane, 45), 21-Khelli Dube, 12-Joe Donaho, (11-Steve Bonnell, 84), 9-George Josten
(10-Kenny Uzoigue, 45)
Subs not used: 1-Mitch Hildenbrandt, 19-Steve Brust, 20 Daniel Stevens
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
Misconduct Summary
TOR -- Titus (caution) '11
TOR -- Kevin Omukhua (caution) '24
MICH -- Mike Holody (caution) '29
MICH -- Kelli Dube (caution) '39
TOR -- Dane Roberts (caution) '58
TOR - Tristan Murray (caution) '78
Shots: Toronto 19 Michigan 7�
Saves: Toronto� 4, Michigan 10�
Fouls: Toronto 26, Michigan 16
Offsides: Toronto 2, Michigan 5
Corners: Toronto 2, Michigan 8
Referee: Rob Antle
Referee's Assistants: Lisa McNeil, Geoff Gamble
Fourth Official: Craig Williams
BUCKS AND EDGE PLAY TO SCORLESS DRAW; KEEP PACE
Bloomfield Hills, MI� (June 1, 2007)-� �The Michigan Bucks (3-0-2) and the West Michigan Edge (2-3-2) played a hard fought battle tonight in front of a diehard Bloomfield Force home crowd tonight at Andover High School.� �The Bucks dominated the second half, after a lack luster first half performance that produced several quality opportunities, but no results.� The Bucks finished with a 14-3 corner kick advantage, but were not able to convert on their normally reliable set piece plays.� � The Bucks came into tonights match knowing they had to survive this game and a road game at Toronto on Sunday to complete the stretch of matches early in the season that would help define this years team.� With US Open Cup qualifying in the books and the first round date set in Richmond, VA on Tuesday, June 12, the first place Bucks know they must continue to concentrate on each league game while they focus on the national tournament.� Steve Clark (Oakland) registered his fourth shutout of the season in five league games, retaining his league leading pace of clean sheets.� Kenny Uzoigwe, who was selected to the Premier Development League (PDL) team of the week, came on in the second half to create several chances for the potent Bucks offense, but his efforts were not enough to finish the goal needed to separate the two teams on the scoreboard.
Following the Bucks game on Sunday in Toronto, the boys will then enjoy the week off in Rochester before heading to Cleveland for a rematch of the Bucks opening night game with the Internationals.� The Bucks eliminated Cleveland from the US Open Cup on May 18, with a 2-0 win at home on May 18.� The Friday night match up (June 8) will� be the Bucks last game before they begin play in the 2007 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, when they travel to Richmond, VA to take on the USL-2 defending champion Richmond Kickers at UR Stadium on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 PM.� �The Bucks next home game is Friday, June 15 at Saline High School (south of Ann Arbor), as they continue to tour all six metropolitan counties and give their long time fans the opportunity to see their high scoring machine up close and personal before the end of the summer.
BUCKS TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER POSTS CLASSIC TEAM PHOTOS
Bucks team photographer, Alan Newton has posted some of his recent work on line for all Bucks fans to view and take advantage of.� Please click on the link below to enjoy some phenomenal action photos of your favorite Bucks players, following the team during the defense of their North American championship.
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For more information, visit the team web site at .
West Michigan Edge vs. Michigan Bucks
Bloomfield Hills Andover High School
May 28, 2007
Scoring Summary:
none
Lineups:
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell, 15-Santos Perez (14-Alex Morriset '46), 17-Piotr Nowak, 8-Nate Jafta, 13-John Palladino, 7-Ty Shiplane
(11-Steve Bonnell '69),�21-Khelli Dube, 18-Doug DeMartin (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '52)
Subs Not Used: 9-George Josten, 12-Joe Donoho, 19-Steve Brust, 20-Dan Stevens
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
West Michigan: 0-Chris Austin, 18-Greg Janicki, 16-Eric Alexander, 20-Zach Scaffidi (12-Joel DeLass '87), 21-Peter Hill, 7-Jake Stacy, 14-Tom Oatley (16-Martin Browne '83),
17-Scott Blandford, 2-BJ Goodman (4-Kyle Hall '81), 6-Dave Hertel, 10-Kenzo Webster
(22-Elfid Kovacevic '56)
Subs Not Used: 0-Casey Aubil
Head Coach: Mark Bell
�
Misconduct Summary
MICH: Santos Perez '23
WMICH -- Tom Oatley '28
WMICH -- Eric Alexander '32
WMICH -- Dave Hertel '55
WMICH - Scott Blandford '57
WMICH -- Jake Stacy '70
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe 88
Shots: West Michigan 8, Michigan 14
Saves: West Michigan 9, Michigan 4
Fouls: West Michigan 11, Michigan 16
Offsides: West Michigan 2, Michigan 1
Corners: West Michigan 3, Michigan 14
Referees: Mike Shirra, Mike Allie, Joe Augusta, Dave Ashaki
CREW TEACH BUCKS A LESSON; PREPARE FOR ROUND ONE OF US OPEN CUP IN RICHMOND
Berkley, MI (May 30, 2007) -� �The 2006 North American champion Michigan Bucks had a rough night on Wednesday.� First they learned that their first round opponent in the 2007 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was the Division 2 Professional defending champion Richmond Kickers, and then they had to go and play Major League Soccers (MLS) Columbus Crew.� In front of an enthusiastic crowd on a perfect evening for soccer, the Crew gave the Bucks a valuable lesson (if they are going to advance in this years Open Cup tournament), when they exploded for three first half goals in a fifteen minute span to lead the young team 3-0 at halftime.� Both teams came out aggressive, but it was the speed and quickness of the MLS side that provided most of the first half scoring action, including three spectacular saves by goal keeper Steve Clark (Oakland) to keep the game scoreless.� It wasnt until defender Alex Morriset was called for a foul in the penalty area in the 25th minute that Clark was totally exposed.� Eddie Gaven put the first goal past a diving Clark, who nearly saved his second penalty kick of the year.� �It was only four minutes later when the Crew built a counter attack down the right side of the field and played forward Kei Kamara in on goal.� Kamara cracked a sizzling shot into the upper short side corner that Clark never had a chance at.� �Kamara would close out the scoring in the 40th minute when he took a centering pass from Brandon Moss and finished his second strike of the night.� The Bucks usually potent offense created several chances throughout the game, but could not connect and penetrate a very disciplined Columbus defense.
The second half continued with entertaining soccer at both ends of the pitch, without the first half finishes.� After the Bucks played two draining US Open Cup matches on Saturday and Monday to qualify for the 2007 tournament, they needed fresh legs throughout the night to try and keep pace with the top notch professionals.� Several of the 2007 Bucks players saw their first action of the season tonight, including backup goalkeeper Mitch Hildenbrandt, a high school senior from Livonia Stevenson.� Mitch made his PDL debut in the 61st minute and made his first save against the professionals in the 62nd minute- less than one minute into his career.� Although the 3-0 final score went in favor of the Crew, the Bucks coaches were pleased with the progress made on the night.�
Said Coach Dan Fitzgerald, We have several objectives in this annual meeting with the Crew and one of them is not necessarily winning the game.� Although that would be nice, the real achievement here is to understand what is happening on the other side of the field.� The Crew represent what every one of our players are striving to become, and they must start now to fully appreciate the commitment that is made to succeed at the highest level in this country.� I think all of our players saw the intensity in the eyes of each of the Crew players tonight and the energy each of them brought to an exhibition match.� The Crew did not come here to play the Bucks, they came here as professionals to keep their jobs and earn a living- that is a huge difference as to the attitude of most amateur players coming to play in a summer environment.� This is the exact same type of environment the Bucks try to emulate each year.�
Added assistant coach Brett Jacobs, We really like to use this match as a tune up for the boys for Open Cup to try to fully understand the speed of play at the next level.� If we can firstly understand the speed of play and secondly adapt to it, then we will have an opportunity to make some noise in the upcoming tournament.� If we play at a�casual PDL level, we will not earn the right to get to the ensuing rounds to meet another MLS club when it real means something.
The Bucks will continue with league play on Friday night when they host the West Michigan Edge at Bloomfield Andover High School at 8:00 PM.� The game is sponsored by the Bloomfield Force Soccer Club and the night will include pre game youth training sessions before the match.� Tickets are $10 Adult (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free) and available at the gate.� After road games in Toronto and Cleveland next week, the Bucks will then begin preparation for the Round One match of the Open Cup on Tuesday, June 12 in Richmond, Virginia against the defending D2 Professional Champion Richmond Kickers.� Kick off is set for 7:00 PM and details will follow shortly.� For more detailed information about the nations oldest tournament, please visit to find all the history of the Cup, including the Bucks unprecedented PDL success since they first entered the Cup in 1997.
For more information, visit the team web site at .
Columbus Crew vs. Michigan Bucks
May 30, 2007 -- Hurley Field -- Berkley, MI
Scoring Summary:
CLB -- Eddie Gaven (PK) 25
CLB -- Kei Kamara (unassisted) 29
CLB -- Kei Kamara (Brandon Moss) 40
Columbus Crew: Bill Gaudette (Will Hesmer 46), Brandon Moss, Chad Marshall, Jed Zayner (Ben Hunter 59), Ricky Lewis, Aaron Chandler (Ricardo Virtuoso 59), Danny Szetela, Tim Ward, Eddie Gaven, Kei Kamara (Jacob Thomas 59), Robbie Rogers
Subs not used: none
Head Coach: Sigi Schmid
Michigan Bucks Starters (4-4-2) -- Steve Clark (Mitch Hildenbrandt 62), Kyle Russell, Mike Holody (Santos Perez 58), Ian Daniel (Nate Zuzga 59), Dan Stevens (Steve Brust 46), Ty Shipalane (Nick Djokic 46), John Palladino (Djamel Becca 59), Alex Morisset (Piotr Nowak 46), Kenny Uzoigwe (Doug DeMartin 46), Nate Jafta (George Josten 46), Mkhokheli Dube (Steve Bonnell 59)
Subs not used: Doug Rice, Xavier Balc, Eric Brunner
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
BUCKS COME FROM BEHIND TO CLAIM FINAL US OPEN CUP BERTH; FACE MLS CREW ON WEDNESDAY
South Bend, IN� (May 28, 2007) --�The 2006 North American champion Michigan Bucks finished a wild Memorial Day weekend with a 3-3 come from behind tie against the Indiana Invaders to claim the final US Open Cup spot and keep the Invaders from their first ever appearance in the nation's oldest tournament.� The Bucks (3-0-1) will appear in their record seventh Cup in eleven years and will find out their first opponent when US Soccer announces pairings tomorrow.� Round One games are slated to be played on Tuesday, June 12.� Indiana (2-0-2) came into the game knowing that a tie would do them no good in qualifying, so they came out attacking from the opening whistle.� The entire game was played at an incredible pace, with both teams creating great scoring chances in the opening half.� Just when it looked like the first half would be completed as a scoreless draw, the Invaders pounded a corner kick at the Bucks goal, only to have Nate Jafta clear the first shot off the line and Ty
Shipalane to clear the ensuing rebound as well.� In the mad scramble, Shipalane kicked the ball into his own goal, with the credit eventually going to Invaders forward Saidi Isaac.� It wouldn't be the last the Bucks would hear from the speedy forward, as he gave the Bucks problems all night long.� The goal was the first goal given up by the Bucks this season and ended goalkeeper Steve Clark's consecutive shutout minutes at 378, dating back to last year's championship match.�
Bucks head coach Dan Fitzgerald made a couple of strategic defensive moves, as well as added striker Kenny Uzoigwe in the lineup for some instant offense.� The Bucks began attacking from the start of the second half and nearly tied the game before the Invaders started a quick counter attack which sent Isaac in all alone on Clark.� �He calmly slotted the ball in the corner to give the Invaders what they thought should be an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the 51st minute.� But that is when the savvy leadership of Bucks forwards Uzoigwe, Jafta and Khelli Dube took over.� After Nate Jafta cracked a 30 yard bomb off the cross bar in minute 56, the Bucks began to click.� After forcing a corner kick, assist specialist Jafta sent a driven ball to the back post which Uzoigwe nodded home to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 59th minute.� With the momentum changing in a hurry, deja-vu struck just two minutes later.� Jafta send another corner kick to nearly the same spot and Kenny once again headed it home to tie the match at 2-2 in the 61st minute, his third goal in the young season.� Both teams continued to create chances for the next quarter of an hour, when Jafta sent a ball up field to Uzoigwe, who raced in on goal against two defenders.� Just about the time Kenny got to the top of the eighteen yard box, he sent a perfect pass across the 18 to Bucks leading scorer Dube, who smashed home the team's third goal in full stride.� Dube's team leading fifth scoring strike gave the boys from Michigan their first lead of the evening.� Not only had the Bucks overcome a two goal deficit, but now the Invaders needed two goals in the final twelve minutes to move on in the Cup.
It only took three minutes for the Invaders to knot the score, when Isaac again finished another mad scramble in the box, after Clark had denied three different attempts.� With the score tied 3-3, the remaining portion of the game was not the defensive battle you might expect on the part of the Bucks, but turned into an up and down track meet with both teams having great chances in the closing minutes.� After about 7 minutes of injury and stoppage time, the final score read Bucks 3 Invaders 3 and the Bucks move on to represent the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League's (PDL) Great Lakes Division.� Only the top team from each of the eight PDL Divisions qualifies to move on into the Open Cup, something that Bucks owner Dan Duggan has been lobbying to change for several years.� "The Commissioner (Francisco Marcos) and League Vice President (Tim Holt) have been listening to my unhappiness about the number of teams that qualify from the PDL.� This year, it will�be worse.� It is an absolute travesty that the Indiana Invaders are not in the tournament because they tied us and Chicago," said Duggan.� "Between US Soccer and the USL we must make it a point to resolve this issue.� This team we played tonight would represent the PDL in fine fashion.� The fans who watched this game were thrilled with the action from both teams.� I am not sure some of them really understood the heartache that Indiana is feeling after such a wonderful performance in salvaging a tie."�
The Bucks schedule does not get any easier, as they return home to Berkley's Hurley Field on Wednesday to take on Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.� The Crew come to town to play their annual game against their minor league affiliate to not only promote the higher level of soccer that is MLS, but also to give the Bucks the opportunity to show their talent to head coach Sigi Schmidt and his staff.� Kick off is 7:30 for the Crew's only appearance in Detroit this year and tickets are $15 all ages, general admission at the gate.� You can still get pre sale tickets and save $5 each by purchasing tickets on line through Pay Pal or at one of the Bucks nine metro Detroit ticket outlets.� $10 presale tickets can be purchased at the following locations:
George's Soccer 3837 Rochester Rd., Troy 48083� �248-528-2948
George's Soccer 27051 Southfield Rd., Lathrup Village 48076� �248-557-1166
Trading Post 1009 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth 48170� �734-453-0022
Soccer Plus 37629 5 Mile Rd., Livonia 48154� �734-432-0222
Soccer Plus 1952 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor 48104� �734-214-7000
Soccer Plus 2191 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills 48302� �248-758-0222
Soccer Plus 21952 23 Mile Rd., Macomb Township 48042� �586-598-8400
Soccer Stop 34356 Utica Rd., Fraser 48026� �586-296-5227
Tool Sport & Sign 1060 S. Lapeer Rd., Oxford 48371� �248-969-5850
�
For more information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
Michigan Bucks vs. Indiana Invaders
Indiana Invaders Soccer Complex
May 28, 2007
Scoring Summary:
IND: Saidi Isaac (Justin Murrow) 44
IND: Saidi Isaac (Arran Horton) 50
MIC: Kenny Uzoigwe (Nate Jafta) 55
MIC: Kenny Uzoigwe (Nate Jafta) 60
MIC: Khelli Dube (Kenny Uzoigwe) 78
IND: Saidi Isaac (Ryan Stewart) 81
Lineups:
Indiana: 0-Carl Woszczynski, 26-Serginho Sandy, 4-Gregory Preciado (8-Issam Sawtarie '80), 22-Hugo Gonzalez, 16-Ryan Miller, 15-Justin Murrow, 18-Nate Norman (14-James Urbany '73), 10-Dustin Snyder (3-Mamba Chisoni '46), 12-Saidi Isaac, 17-Ryan Stewart, 5-Arran Horton
Subs not used: 00-Rick King, 7-Michael Giffin, 9-Leonardo Peirano-Pardeiro, 21-Eric Meister
Head Coach: Rick King
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell, 14-Alex Morriset,�17-Piotr Nowak, 8-Nate Jafta, 15-Santos Perez (11-Steve Bonnell '61), 7-Ty Shiplane, 21-Khelli Dube (13-John Palladino '85), 18-Doug DeMartin (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '46)
Subs not used: 1-Mitch Hildenbrandt, 9-George Josten, 19-Steve Brust, 20-Dan Stevens
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
�
Misconduct Summary
IND -- Saidi Isaac '23 (caution)
MICH -- Ty Shipalane '29 (caution)
MICH -- Khelli Dube '49 (caution)
IND -- Arran Horton '53 (caution)
IND -- Mamba Chisioni '58 (caution)
IND -- Rick King (ejection) -- COACH
MICH -- Steve Bonnell '89 (caution)
Shots: Indiana 15, Michigan 13
Saves: Indiana 3, Michigan 3
Fouls: Indiana 15, Michigan 15
Offsides: Indiana 5, Michigan 2
Corners: Indiana 6, Michigan �5
Referees: Andrew Scott, Ben Trevino, Peter Charpentier
BUCKS PUT OUT THE FIRE AT CANTON CUP, MOVE TO 3-0
Canton, MI� (May 27, 2007) -- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks continued their dominance in the Great Lakes Division in the United Soccer League's (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) by scorching the Chicago Fire Premier Saturday, 4-0.� The US Open Cup match was played as part of the 25th Annual Canton Cup Memorial Day Tournament and did not disappoint the huge crowd, despite Mother Natures attempt to ruin the party.� According to Canton Cup officials, their were over 1,400 tournament participants and die hard Bucks fans that braved the weather to see two of the top PDL clubs in the nation do battle.� The Bucks came out attacking in the first half, but had a difficult time breaking through a solid Chicago defense, but managed to take the game to the Fire and out shot them 12-0.� It looked like the Bucks would finally get on the scoreboard when forward Khelli Dube (Coastal Carolina) was fouled in the penalty box by goal keeper Matt Pyzdrowski.� The tall netminder atoned for his mistake by snuffing Dubes PK to keep the game scoreless into halftime.
The Bucks continued to work hard, keeping the pressure on Chicago the entire second half, and their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when midfielder Ty Shipalane (Lindsey Wilson) produced the play of the game.� Ship started his run from the touch line about 40 yards from goal, beat two defenders and curled a ridiculous bomb into the top corner of the goal to get the Canton party started.� Dube decided to join the celebration as well when he took a pass from Shipalane and converted his team leading third goal of the season just three minutes later.� The 2-0 lead looked comfortable for the division leading Bucks (3-0-0), but there was more gas to add to the Fire (2-1-2).� PDL player of the week Nate Jafta was closely marked throughout the match, but as usual, found a way to put his mark on the match.� Jafta scored the Bucks third goal from an impossible angle, after taking a pass from college teammate Shipalane in the 77th minute.� Jafta wasnt finished just yet and fed a nice ball to newcomer Eric Brunner (Ohio State), who scored his first goal as a Buck from short range.� Goal keeper Steve Clark (Oakland) was not called upon often during the match, but did all he needed to do to secure his third consecutive shutout and keep a clean sheet for the season.� I didnt graduate from Harvard, said an elated Bucks head coach Dan Fitzgerald, but if you dont ever give up a goal, you wont lose a game.� The stifling defense we play will never get acknowledged in the press, but it is the catalyst for what drives this offense.� The Bucks finish Open Cup qualifying on Monday, when they play their annual Memorial Day match against the Indiana Invaders.� This game has become a tradition over the years and as usual will have significant bearing on the Cup representative.� The Bucks will advance to a record setting 7th US Open Cup appearance with a win or a tie, while the Invaders must upset the defending North American champs if they want their first ever trip to the nations oldest tournament.� Indiana is a solid club across the board, with a couple of offensive weapons.� If everyone is disciplined enough to fulfill their assignments on Monday, we should have a good result, said Bucks assistant coach Brett Jacobs.� A 3-0 start is nice, but that is what we expect each year with the Bucks.� We havent accomplished anything this season until we record the fourth consecutive shutout.� This is a very special team, but they need to rise up to the challenge that awaits them Monday night in South Bend.
Following the holiday match on Monday, the Bucks return home on Wednesday night to take on their MLS affiliate Columbus Crew at Berkleys Hurley Field at 7:30.� Tickets for the game are $15 at the gate but only $10 presale when you buy tickets on line at the Bucks web site or at one of the following Bucks ticket outlets in the metro Detroit area:
George's Soccer 3837 Rochester Rd., Troy 48083� �248-528-2948
George's Soccer 27051 Southfield Rd., Lathrup Village 48076� �248-557-1166
Trading Post 1009 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth 48170� �734-453-0022
Soccer Plus 37629 5 Mile Rd., Livonia 48154� �734-432-0222
Soccer Plus 1952 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor 48104� �734-214-7000
Soccer Plus 2191 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills 48302� �248-758-0222
Soccer Plus 21952 23 Mile Rd., Macomb Township 48042� �586-598-8400
Soccer Stop 34356 Utica Rd., Fraser 48026� �586-296-5227
Tool Sport & Sign 1060 S. Lapeer Rd., Oxford 48371� �248-969-5850
�
For more information, please visit the Bucks web site at .
Chicago Fire Premier vs. Michigan Bucks
Canton Cup at Independence Park
May 26, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Ty Shipalane (Piotr Nowak) '62
MICH -- Khelli Dube (Ty Shipalane) '65
MICH -- Nate Jafta (Ty Shipalane) '77
MICH -- Eric Brunner (Nat Jafta) '82
Lineups:
Chicago: 66-Matt Pyzdrowski (60-Patrick Sperry '46), 40-Ryan Handbury, 55-Rauwshan McKenzie, 44-Chris Rufa, 47-Andrew DeGurian, 45-Neil Hlavaty, 43Kyle Knotek, 36-Isaac Lee (56-Nikola Katic '44), 33-Strider Elass (56-Keum Sun Kim '46), 42-Luis Mojica,
43-Cesar Zambrano
Subs not used: none
Head Coach: Larry Sunderland
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell (19-Steve Brust '86), 14-Alex Morriset,�17-Piotr Nowak, 8-Nate Jafta (13-John Palladino '86), 20-Dan Stevens (23-Eric Brunner '46), 7-Ty Shiplane (11-Steve Bonnell '77), 21-Khelli Dube (9-George Josten '76), 6-Xavier Balc (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '46)
Subs not used: none
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
�
Misconduct Summary
CHI - Neil Hlavaty '18 (caution)
Shots: Chicago 1, Michigan 18
Saves: Chicago 7, Michigan 0
Fouls: Chicago 8, Michigan 12
Offsides: Chicago 3, Michigan 2
Corners: Chicago 0, Michigan 9
Referees: N/A
News Archive
BUCKS READY FOR TOUGH STRETCH RUN BEGINNING SATURDAY; JAFTA NAMED PDL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Canton, MI (May 25, 2007)- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks will encounter their first difficult stretch of games when they host last year's Division Champion Chicago on Saturday, then play at Indiana on Monday, before coming back home to take on Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew on Wednesday. If three games in six days were not enough of a challenge early in the season, the Bucks must come away with positive results in both league matches to qualify for their unprecedented seventh US Open Cup in eleven years. Chicago comes into Saturday afternoon's match (5:00 PM Kickoff at Independence Park in Canton) with a record of 2-0-2, having tied the Toronto Lynx earlier today. The Bucks have a great opportunity to not only knock Chicago from the Open Cup race, but can also put some much needed distance between themselves in the standings. Saturday's match is sponsored by Canton Youth Soccer Association and will be played as part of the 25th Annual Canton Cup Memorial Weekend Tournament. Organizers have purchased the entire gate for the huge match between two of the top teams in PDL history so that all the teams participating in the tournament as well as the general public will be able to get in for free. Bleacher seating will be limited and a huge crowd is expected, so organizers are allowing fans to bring their own seats as well. "We plan to allow the fans to sit pretty much around most of the field, so it will be quite an intimate setting for soccer. The kids will be right on the action the whole game," said Bucks GM Dave Morgan.
The Bucks will also be selling tickets to the Wednesday match against the Crew at Hurley Field in Berkley (7:30 kickoff) at the tournament all day Saturday. Tickets for the match on game day are $15 (under 5 free), but the Bucks are having a special pre sale of just $10 on all tickets purchased before Wednesday. Tickets can be bought at one of the Bucks ticket outlets listed below or on the Bucks web site at . As a special Memorial Day gift to the fans at the Canton Cup, every fan buying a minimum of 2 Bucks/Crew tickets at the Bucks tent will receive a 3" x 5" American flag to help celebrate the special weekend.
For more information, visit the team web site at .
George's Soccer 3837 Rochester Rd., Troy 48083 248-528-2948
George's Soccer 27051 Southfield Rd., Lathrup Village 48076 248-557-1166
Trading Post 1009 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth 48170 734-453-0022
Soccer Plus 37629 5 Mile Rd., Livonia 48154 734-432-0222
Soccer Plus 1952 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor 48104 734-214-7000
Soccer Plus 2191 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills 48302 248-758-0222
Soccer Plus 21952 23 Mile Rd., Macomb Township 48042 586-598-8400
Soccer Stop 34356 Utica Rd., Fraser 48026 586-296-5227
Tool Sport & Sign 1060 S. Lapeer Rd., Oxford 48371 248-969-5850
JAFTA NAMED PDL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Michigan Bucks star attacking midfielder Nate Jafta received the highest honor that the United Soccer League (USL) doles out each week, as he was selected PDL Player of the Week from all 63 clubs. In the Bucks first week of action this season, they beat the West Michigan Edge 4-0 on the road and Cleveland 2-0 at home last Friday night. Jafta didn't take long to pick up where he left off last year, as he was the leading scorer in the Premier Development League playoffs with 4 goals and 4 assists in 4 playoff games. Jafta opened the first game with a goal and an assist and then came back in the home opener to set up both Bucks goals against Cleveland. Jafta was the PDL assist leader last year and is off to another great start this year. The sophomore (Lindsey Wilson College) from South Africa would like to have a repeat performance against Chicago on Saturday as he did in the playoffs last year in Des Moines, IA. Although tightly marked by a strong Fire defense, the speedy attacker still managed to score three goals and add an assist in the Bucks 4-1 elimination of Chicago, on their way to their first North American PDL championship.
BUCKS SHOWDOWN WITH FIRE FREE TO THE PUBLIC THANKS TO CANTON SOCCER CLUB
Canton, MI (May 22, 2007)- The 2006 North American champion Michigan Bucks have announced today that the organizers of the 25th Annual Canton Cup Soccer Classic have bought all tickets to the Bucks/Chicago Fire Premier showdown this Saturday, May 26 (5:00 PM kickoff) so that all participants of its 511 team tournament will have the ability to see top level soccer at no charge. According to Bucks owner Dan Duggan, "In my twelve years in this league I have never heard of such an act of generosity as was brought to me this week by tournament director John Vaughn. In order to celebrate their 25th year in style, they wanted a top level game to really give the younger kids something to aspire to. They couldn't have asked for anything better, as these two teams have combined to send the most players to Major League Soccer (MLS) over the past six years than any other two PDL clubs." Added Duggan, "and the winner of this match will be in the driver's seat to secure the final spot in the 2007 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, representing the Great Lakes Division." The CFP have had the Bucks number over the past few seasons, but when they met in the Central Conference Final Four in Des Moines, IA last July, the Bucks blasted their rivals 4-1 as they began their quest for their first ever Premier Development League (PDL) championship.
With thousands of young soccer fans swarming the home site of the Canton Cup tournament at Independence Park, seating for this epic battle will be limited and fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs as well. Since the organizers have purchased the entire gate, there will be no need for a ticket, as the general public will gain free access to the high profile match. "The Cup Committee wanted to do something special this year and we wanted it to tie into the progress we have made over the past 25 years with Canton Youth Soccer. We could think of no better way to do this than to attract two of the top clubs in North America (including the defending champions from right here in our own back yard) and make it available to soccer fans of all ages for free. This is our way of saying thank you for being a part of this year's tournament," continued Vaughn.
The Bucks come into Saturday's match with a record of 2-0-0, having shut out both of its first two opponents. Chicago presently sits with a record of 1-0-1, and has two more matches before they get to Canton on Saturday afternoon. The US Open Cup representative from the Great Lakes Division will be the team with the best record after its four pre-determined Open Cup qualifying matches. The Fire Premier are the minor league affiliate of MLS Chicago Fire, as the Bucks are to the Columbus Crew. The Fire Premier have had a record 36 former players selected in the MLS draft, while the Bucks have had a respectable 19 former members drafted as well. The Bucks will finish Open Cup qualifying with a road game on Memorial Day against the Indiana Invaders in South Bend before returning home for their huge match on Wednesday, May 30 in Berkley against MLS Columbus Crew. Tickets for the Crew game are $15 all ages, general admission the day of the game, but you can save $5 per ticket presale. All $10 tickets can be purchased at the Canton Cup tournament, on line or at one of nine Bucks local ticket outlets throughout Metro Detroit.
For more information on discounted Crew tickets and directions to Independence Park in Canton, please visit the team web site at .
BUCKS HALFWAY HOME TO OPEN CUP WITH 2-0 SHUTOUT OF CLEVELAND
Rochester, MI (May 19, 2007)- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks went to 2-0 on the new season after dominating the aggressive Cleveland Internationals last night at Troy Athens High School. The PDL champs opened the night receiving their championship rings from Bucks owner Dan Duggan, and promptly returned the favor by gifting him their second shutout win of the season. If the Bucks can win their next two matches (Chicago on May 26 in Canton and Indiana in South Bend on May 28), they are assured of their much coveted US Open Cup berth. The Bucks high powered offense was stifled on Friday, as the Internationals did everything they could to contain the Michigan offensive weapons. But as is usually the case, Nate Jafta (Lindsey Wilson) was the instant offense the Bucks needed, as he beat his tight marking Cleveland defender to the ball and flicked it to forward Doug DeMartin (Michigan State), who coolly slotted the ball past Internationals keeper Alex Fatovic. The Bucks pushed the game at the younger squad for the majority of the first half, but the Internationals would not back down and refused to allow a second goal before intermission.
"They defended us exactly how we expected," said Bucks second year assistant coach Brett Jacobs. "They did a good job of disrupting our flow and frustrating our midfield connections. I was very happy with the fact that we never got out of our game, even though we didn't finish some well designed chances. Cleveland is a young team that is going to cause several teams a whole lot of problems this year." The Internationals fall to 0-1 in their 2007 opener and will have a very difficult time qualifying for Open Cup after tonight's loss. The second half was played at a slower pace than the opening stanza, but the Bucks finally connected with an insurance goal in the 77th minute, when the counterattacking trio of Jafta, Khelli Dube and Kenny Uzoigwe attacked the Cleveland goal at a furious pace. Kenny's pass to Jafta sent the speedy midfielder in alone on goal, only to have him drop the ball to a trailing Dube to finish the second goal of the game. This would prove to be the final tally of the game and the Bucks recorded their second shutout in as many games. Goalkeeper Steve Clark (Oakland) served the Bucks well in goal, but was the beneficiary of a rock solid defense anchored by Mike Holody, Kyle Russell and Ian Daniel that gave Cleveland very few sniffs at goal.
Now the focus quickly shifts to the Bucks Great Lakes rival Chicago Fire Premier (1-0-1), who will come to Canton next Saturday to take on the Bucks for the right to move on to the Open Cup. The leader of the division after the first four Cup qualifiers moves on to Round One. The classic match up will take place at 5:00 PM (moved up from 6:30 original start time) at Independence Park as part of the Canton Cup Memorial Day tournament. The Bucks will then go on to South Bend to play the Indiana Invaders on Memorial Day in the last game of the Open Cup, before coming back home to Berkley on Wednesday, May 30 to take on Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.
For more information, visit the team web site at
Cleveland Internationals vs. Michigan Bucks
Troy Athens High School
May 18, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Doug DeMartin (Nate Jafta) '11
MICH -- Khelli Dube (Nate Jafta) '71
Lineups:
Cleveland: 20-Alex Fatovic, 2-Corey Sipos, 3-Geoff Marsh, 5-Chris Korb, 6-Mitch Boyer, 26-Matt Tutich, 16-Adam Ross, 15-Rick King, 16-Jon Brickman, 11-Shakir McCoy,
17-Kwame Oduro
Head Coach: Tony Dore
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell, 14-Alex Morriset (13-John Palladino '77),�17-Piotr Nowak, 8-Nate Jafta, 20-Dan Stevens (15-Santos Perez
'59), 7-Ty Shiplane (11-Steve Bonnell '74),�21-Khelli Dube (9-George Josten '88), 18-Doug DeMartin (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '54)
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
�
Misconduct Summary
MICH - Alex Morriset '56 (caution)
MICH - Ty Shipalane '73 (caution)
Shots: Cleveland 5, Michigan�14
Saves: Cleveland 0, Michigan 5�
Fouls: Cleveland 12, Michigan�12
Offsides: Cleveland 2, Michigan� 2
Corners: Cleveland 5, Michigan 3�
Referees: Marc Lawrence, Steven Scanio, Russ Cassaboom, Mike DeAngelo
BUCKS OPEN WITH 4-0 EDGE OVER WEST MICHIGAN
The Premier Development League (PDL) Champion Michigan Bucks (1-0-0) opened the 2007 season last night in familiar fashion, as they jumped on the West Michigan Edge early and never let up. It took the high powered scoring machine from Detroit only eight minutes to light up the scoreboard, as Khelli Dube (Coastal Carolina) converted a pass from last year's PDL assist leader Nate Jafta to take a 1-0 lead. Both teams battled evenly for the remainder of the half, until Doug DeMartin (Michigan State) fed Jafta, who went the distance and slotted a ball past Edge goalkeeper Eric Pogue. The 2-0 lead looked solid until right before halftime, when the Bucks were whistled for a foul in the penalty area and West Michigan were awarded a penalty kick. Just about the time that the fans were counting on a 2-1 deficit at the break, Bucks goal keeper Steve Clark (Oakland) made a great diving save and denied the Edge the goal.
The second half opened as a battle in the midfield until Dube stole a pass at the top of the eighteen and went in alone to give the Bucks a 3-0 lead and put the game away in the 52nd minute. Bucks leading scorer last year, Kenny Uzoigwe added an insurance tally in the 90th minute off of a pass from Pete Nowak (Oakland) to round out the scoring. Clark didn't see a whole lot of action in the second half, but did what he had to do to maintain the clean sheet for the Bucks. Second year head coach Dan Fitzgerald was pleased with the effort from his newly assembled squad. "We were a bit concerned going in to the game tonight. West Michigan had already played two games (against Toronto) and we just had four players show up for training on Tuesday. We know we have plenty of talent, but chemistry is so important in this game and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. We saw a lot of good things, but (assistant coach) Brett and I identified several areas that need immediate attention," said Fitz.
The Bucks continue their quest to qualify for the 2007 US Open Cup when they play their home opener on Friday at 8:00 PM against the Cleveland Internationals at Troy Athens High School. The Bucks game is the second of a double header, following a W League game between the Michigan Hawks and the Ft. Wayne Fever women s teams (5:30 kickoff). Tickets for both games are $10 Adults (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free) and are available at the gate.
For further information, go to the Bucks web site at
Michigan Bucks vs. West Michigan Edge
Cornerstone College
May 16, 2007
Scoring Summary:
MICH -- Khelli Dube (Nate Jafta) '12
MICH -- Nate Jafta (Doug DeMartin) '38
MICH -- Khelli Dube (unassisted) '78
MICH -- Kenny Uzoigwe (Piotr Nowak) '90
Lineups:
Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 4-Kyle Russell (24-Colin Givens '74), 14-Alex Morriset,�17-Piotr Nowak, 8-Nate Jafta (13-John Palladino '71), 7-Ty Shiplane (20-Dan Stevens '65),�21-Khelli Dube (9-George Josten '70), 11-Steve Bonnell (19-Steve Brust '65), 18-Doug DeMartin (10-Kenny Uzoigwe '60)
Subs Not Used: 1-Mitch Hildenbrandt
Head Coach: Dan Fitzgerald
�
West Michigan: 0-Eric Pogue, 18-Greg Janicki, 21-Peter Hill (30-Lucas Greenwell '71),
15-William Brown, 17-Scott Blandford, 13-Eric Alexander, 23-Ben Pirmann (3-Jonathan Liechty '70), 20-Zach Scaffidi (16-Dave Hertel '45), 7-Jake Stacy, 14-Tom Oatley, 10-Kenzo Webster (12-Joel DeLass '81)
Subs Not Used: 0-Chris Austin, 4-Stephen Hill, 32-Kyle Hall
Head Coach: Mark Bell
Misconduct Summary
WMICH -- Scott Blandford '25 (caution)
WMICH -- Ben Pirmann '61 (caution)
WMICH -- William Brown '78� (caution)
Shots: West Michigan 4, Michigan� 8
Saves: West Michigan 4, Michigan�3
Fouls: West Michigan 5, Michigan 10�
Offsides: West Michigan 0, Michigan�2
Corners: West Michigan 4, Michigan 5
Referees: Jason White, Anthony Ingle, Alexander Plum, Dominick Chiesa
BUCKS AND HAWKS OPEN HOME SCHEDULES IN UNIQUE DOUBLEHEADER
Rochester, MI (May 18, 2007)- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League (PDL) and the Michigan Hawks of the USL W-League open their home seasons Friday night in the first double header ever played together for the two super clubs. The Lady Hawks will take on the Ft. Wayne Fever womens team at 5:30 PM at Troy Athens High School and the Bucks will follow with their home opener against the Cleveland Internationals at 8:00. All fans will be treated to two games for the price of one, as well as witnessing the Bucks championship banner unveiling and ring ceremony about 7:45 PM. "We are very excited about our theme for the night, 'Come Celebrate a Championship' as we will have great soccer action for all ages, genders and skill levels. It will be a great opportunity for us to see the women play and it will be great for the Hawks and their fans to be a part of our winning season- our celebration tonight is exactly what both clubs want to exp erience again twelve months from now," said Bucks general manager Dave Morgan.
Tickets for both games are just $10 Adults (16 and over) and $5 Youth (under 5 free). All Hawks fans that have pre-paid season passes will be admitted for just an additional $3. The Hawks game will be their first of the 2007 campaign, while the Bucks are coming off a 4-0 shutout at West Michigan last night. The Bucks (1-0-0) need a win over Cleveland to continue their hunt for their unprecedented seventh US Open berth in the past eleven years. The Great Lakes Division leader after their four designated cup matches will move on to join the other seven division leaders from the PDL for Round One action. The Bucks will know their fate for sure following their last two qualifying matches (against Chicago on May 26 and at Indiana on May 28). Although the last two matches sound more intriguing to soccer fans, the Bucks know that the young squad from Cleveland would love to come to Detroit and ruin tomorrow nights party. Coach Dan Fitzgerald vividly remembers a few years ago when the same Cleveland Interna tionals came to Oakland University and promptly knocked the Bucks from the competition. Said Fitz, "This young team keeps getting better and better each year. It takes a few years to build a solid club that can compete in this division, but I think (Owner) George Nanchoff has put together a group that will play smothering defense. We need to play Bucks soccer for 90 minutes and finish our early chances to really make them chase the game. I can promise you that no player on this team is taking Cleveland for granted. If they do, their career in a Bucks uniform will be short lived."
Meanwhile, there is a positive buzz in the soccer community with MLS Columbus Crew coming to town on May 30. Tickets for the match are available online at the Bucks website or one of the following Bucks ticket locations in the metro Detroit area. The game will be played at Berkley's Hurley Field at 7:30 PM. All general admission tickets will be $15 at the gate, but all tickets are only $10 presale at any of the ticket outlets:
George's Soccer 3837 Rochester Rd., Troy 48083 248-528-2948
George's Soccer 27051 Southfield Rd., Lathrup Village 48076 248-557-1166
Trading Post 1009 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth 48170 734-453-0022
Soccer Plus 37629 5 Mile Rd., Livonia 48154 734-432-0222
Soccer Plus 1952 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor 48104 734-214-7000
Soccer Plus 2191 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills 48302 248-758-0222
Soccer Plus 21952 23 Mile Rd., Macomb Township 48042 586-598-8400
Soccer Stop 34356 Utica Rd., Fraser 48026 586-296-5227
Tool Sport & Sign 1060 S. Lapeer Rd., Oxford 48371 248-969-5850
For more information, visit the Bucks website at .
BUCKS/CREW TICKETS ON SALE; SAVE $5 ON ALL PRESALE TICKETS
Rochester, MI� (May 14, 2007)-� �The 2006 North American PDL Champion Michigan Bucks announced presale ticket information for their May 30 match against Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew at Berkleys Hurley Field (7:30 kickoff).� All tickets for the Crew's only visit to Michigan in 2007 will be $15 on game day (5 and under free) if not sold out, however the Bucks are happy to announce special presale pricing that will save Buck's fans $5 per ticket.� Tickets can be purchased online through their secure Pay Pal outlet by going to the Buck's website at and clicking on the Columbus Crew game link on the homepage.� Each ticket is only $10 (general admission) when buying on line or at one of the local ticket outlets.� Fans can get tickets locally at one of nine soccer stores throughout the four county area (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw) as well.� The team would like to thank the following stores for their continued support of Michigan Bucks and Major League Soccer in Detroit; Trading Post (Plymouth), Soccer Plus (Livonia, Ann Arbor, Bloomfield and Macomb Twp.), George's Soccer (Troy and Lathrup Village) and Tool Sport and Sign in Oxford.
This year is the second year in the Buck's relationship as the minor league affiliate to the Crew and the MLS organization is looking forward to this year's visit to the Motor City.� We had two very positive experiences in Detroit last year against the Bucks said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers.� Everything about the Bucks organization is quality - the facility, personnel, all the way to the enthusiastic fan base make this a very attractive market for us.� Coach Sigi Schmid liked what he saw in some of last year's players and looks forward to seeing the progress the team has made since last July.� I obviously can't tell you his game day lineup at this point because there are so many factors that could affect the starting eleven within the next three weeks, but the Detroit market is important and we want to give the area's soccer fans the opportunity to see our best players.
The Crew/Bucks relationship continues to evolve as witnessed by the Crew's invitation for the Bucks to play one of their home games prior to the Crew/ FC Toronto game on July 22.� �The Crew will work with Bucks General Manager Dave Morgan to put together special ticket packages for Bucks fans to bus down for the double header.� A special offer to Bucks fans for the only scheduled appearance of David Beckham and the LA Galaxy in Columbus on September 30 is also in the works.� Details on both of these great soccer opportunities will be made public in the next couple of weeks.
Not only will the Michigan soccer fans see the top level of soccer action in the area this summer, but all fans attending the May 30th game will be eligible to win special Bucks and Crew memorabilia when they present their game ticket.� Some of the items that will be given away at halftime will include an autographed Bucks and an autographed Crew game jersey,� autographed MLS game ball from the Crew, Bucks autographed game ball, free ticket packages to the July 22 double header and tailgate party.� Further details will be handed out at the gate on game day.
The Bucks begin defense of their United Soccer League (USL) PDL championship on Wednesday, May 16 when they open the season on the road against the West Michigan Edge at Cornerstone College at 6:30.� The Bucks 6-1 defeat of the Edge on the last day of the regular season last year put the Bucks in the playoffs and snatched the last spot away from the Grand Rapids based opponent.� The Bucks 2007 home opener will be next Friday, May 18 at 8:00 PM at Troy Athens High School.� The Bucks special presentation of the championship ring ceremony will begin about 7:45 PM, following the conclusion of the W League match between the Michigan Hawks and the Ft, Wayne Fever women's teams (5:30 PM kickoff).� Tickets for the doubleheader are just $10 Adults (over 16) and $5 Youth (5 and under free) and are only available at the gate.
For more information, visit the team web site at www.buckssoccer.com.
Link to Bucks/ Crew tickets:� �
BUCKS RELEASE 2007 HOME SCHEDULE
Rochester, MI (May 8, 2007)- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks HOME schedule this year covers more ground than most teams away schedules. The Bucks have decided to bring their top notch product to all parts of metro Detroit- and beyond. This years home schedule includes the Celebrate a Championship opener on Friday, May 18 at 8:00 PM at Troy Athens High School against the Cleveland Internationals. Tickets for the opener are $10 Adults and $5 Youth (under 16). Last years champs then jump right into the fire with a US Open Cup match against their annual powerhouse rival Chicago Fire Premier on Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 at Independence Park as part of the annual Canton Cup celebration. If that isnt enough great soccer for you in the first two weeks of the season, Major League Soccers Columbus Crew come back to Detroit to take on the Bucks at Berkleys Hurley Field on Wednesday, May 30 at 7:30. Tickets for the Crews match against their minor league affiliate Bucks are $15 at the gate (all ages-5 under always free), but will go on presale Monday, May 14 for just $10 each. The $5 savings per ticket will apply to all tickets purchased at one of the Bucks local outlets or on their web site. Details to follow this weekend.
The Bucks will continue to travel their home schedule this year with visits to Saline, Rochester, Bloomfield Hills, Lake Orion and back home to where it all began twelve years ago in Saginaw. According to Bucks first year GM, Dave Morgan, the only complaint I have ever heard about the Bucks this past year was that all the games were way out in a difficult area to get to (mainly traffic and road construction). We decided to give up the comfort of having one home for the season as we had at Stoney Creek High School, to visit our loyal fans. There will be no Bucks fan in the state that does not have a great opportunity to see the North American Champions in action.
Looking over a very difficult Bucks schedule this year, Bucks owner Dan Duggan points out a couple of very special dates on the calendar. "There is no doubt that Bucks fans will not want to miss the Championship ceremony on May 18 at the opener or the epic battle of (arguably) the top two PDL franchises in history when we take on Chicago for that precious Open Cup berth. If one team would lose that game, their 2007 US Open Cup hopes would surely be done. Continued Duggan, most Bucks fans look at this schedule and the Crew game on May 30 jumps out- and it will be another huge crowd at Hurley Field; but the two games that will really leave a special mark on our players will be our return to Saginaw on June 23 so we can celebrate last years championship where this whole great tradition began in 1996 and our final home game where we will play the Ft. Wayne Fever at Columbus Crew Stadium on Sunday July 22 at 1:00 prior to the MLS Crew/ Toronto FC match. I have no idea how this team will fare this year, but I can promise you that all our players and fans will get the opportunity to see what world class soccer! is like from Mid Michigan all the way to Columbus, Ohio.
The Bucks flex schedule was the creation of former Bucks co-owner and general manager Jim Duggan, who used the idea over a decade ago to help build the legend of Bucks soccer in every part of the state. This will probably be the last year the Bucks will use such a schedule, as they continue to work on finding a permanent home in a central location of metro Detroit. The Bucks have also received enormous support from various youth soccer groups throughout the region, who have helped to make the flex schedule work for everyone. The Bucks opened training camp this past week and have the last half of their players reporting from out of state by this weekend. Although the roster cannot officially be released until this Friday, Dan Duggan did imply that this years talent was superior to that which they opened camp with a year ago. The Bucks will release the roster information along with further details on ticket information for the upcoming May home games later this week.
BUCKS TO HOLD OPEN TRYOUTS
Rochester, MI (April 27, 2007) - The Michigan Bucks have the majority of their 2006 North American PDL championship team starting line-up returning for the start of the 2007 campaign, which begins on May 16. But, according to Bucks head coach, Dan Fitzgerald, there are still a few holes to fill. Although we are excited that most of our star players are returning this spring, there will be an opportunity for 5-10 new� comers to make our roster. We do have several new faces reporting to camp on May 1 from all over the country, but we want to see if there is any new local talent that we have missed that can make one of those spots. The Bucks will be holding their only public open trial on Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 AM at Oakland University. There is a $25 registration fee and forms can be printed from the Bucks web site. All players should bring their own soccer gear and be prepared to complete the training session at 11:00 AM.
The Bucks have always depended on home grown Michigan talent as the core of each years team, and this year will be no different. Although player signings will not publicly be announced until next week, the Bucks have commitments from college players from Oakland University, University of Michigan, Michigan State and will also include several younger star players from area high schools. In addition to the local talent, the Bucks will have their usual international flair as well, with players coming from five foreign countries as well. As the minor league affiliate of Major League Soccers Columbus Crew, this years schedule will include the Crew visiting Detroit to play the Bucks on Wednesday, May 30, as well as the Bucks completing their regular season home schedule by playing the Ft. Wayne Fever in Crew Stadium before the Crew/Toronto FC MLS match on July 22. The final schedule is being revised and will be released early next week with all the details of game venues and kick off times.
BUCKS RULE NORTH AMERICA AT LAST!
Laredo, TX (August 13, 2006) - The Michigan Bucks defied all odds last night when they earned their first Premier Development League (PDL) Championship in Laredo, Texas by defeating the Laredo Heat 2-1 before an incredibly soccer savvy crowd of 7,000. The Bucks high powered offense ignited early when the dynamic duo of Nate Jafta and Kenny Uzoigwe hooked up in the 5th minute to let the hostile crowd know that the boys from Motown didnt just come to Texas for a vacation. Jafta slipped a pass across the penalty spot that Kenny buried over the shoulder of All-Conference (Southern) goal keeper Ryan Shaughnessy for an early 1-0 lead. The Bucks continued to press the Heat, into a 25 mile an hour wind, and tried to put the game away when speedster Mychal Turpin ripped through the right side, beating three defenders, when he was pulled down in the penalty box. The referee had no choice but to award the Bucks fifth year leader a PK in the ninth minute. Dealing with a ferocious wind in his face, Turpin changed his normal penalty kick strategy of burying the ball, to one of finesse, as he hit a low shot to the corner of the 65 keeper Shaughnessy. Unfortunately for the Bucks, Ryans long frame denied Turpins shot- unfortunately for the Heat was the crafty Ty Shipalane, who followed the save and crashed home a goal to put the Bucks up 2-0 after just 9 minutes. While the national TV audience on Fox Soccer Channel smelled a blowout, the hometown kids had other ideas. The Heat took advantage of the wind in the first half and pounded the Bucks, earning several corner kicks in the minutes following the Bucks two goals.
Laredo finally cracked the Michigan defense in the 18th minute when Jose Macias crashed the goal and scored to bring life into the full Texas stadium. We knew they scored goals in the last few minutes of the past playoff games, and we wanted no part of that, said Bucks first year head coach Dan Fitzgerald. Although we jumped out to an early lead, we had trouble adjusting to the playing conditions and the wind. We desperately wanted to get out of the first half with a 2-1 lead. The Bucks came out the second half with the same lineup, looking to deliver the knockout punch. Knowing that it would be difficult to penetrate the Bucks defense and Mother Nature, the Bucks settled into a conservative game plan. The Heat did well to expose the Bucks on several occasions, bringing to the forefront PDL Championship Game MVP goalkeeper Steve Clark. The Mason, MI native (Oakland University) stepped up in a big way when he stopped six shots in the second half. That may not sound like a huge days work, but several of Clarks saves were highlight reel variety and saved the teams backside. Thats my job, said an elated Clark, the boys take care of the offense and I cover their butts. You cant win a Championship of this magnitude without heroic efforts on both sides of the ball. I told the team I would jump off a three story building into a swimming pool (which he did later that night) if thats what has to happen to win a title with the Bucks. Clark will be a sophomore at Oakland University this season and looks to keep his starting job next year as the Bucks main man.
Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas hosted the Friday night press conference and provided the coin toss for the opening kickoff on Saturday. His class and leadership in the Laredo area had a great deal to do with the record crowd that came from both sides of the border to cheer on the Heat. The Bucks were welcomed in every venue they visited in Laredo with hand shakes and standing ovations. The Bucks returned the favor. I told the boys to empty the ball bag, said Bucks owner Dan Duggan. Duggan sent striker Kenny Uzoigwe over to the partisan crowd before kickoff to kick a ball into the crowd. The frenzied fans returned the respect to the team all game long. They appreciate good football here, said Duggan. This was a special trip for this team, not only to bring home the Championship, but to see what soccer life is really all about in this part of the country. The Heat and their fans did themselves proud tonight. If fate should bring both teams together again next year, I would love to come back and visit the many new friends we have made here, added Duggan.
The 13th seeded Bucks became the USLs lowest seeded team ever to bring home the championship. The Heat, in their third season, will return many of their young players next year to defend their Southern Conference title. Next year will be the first year in 5 seasons that the Bucks will not have a player drafted into Major League Soccer, as they had no college seniors in last nights starting lineup. The good news for Bucks fans is that they have the potential to bring back the entire 2006 championship team to defend their title.
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