| Mid Michigan Bucks Press Release May 15, 2003 Contact: Kyle Karns (989) 781-6888 info@mmbucks.com BUCKS TO HOST OPEN CUP QUALIFIERS THIS WEEK Saginaw (Saturday) and Berkley (Monday) Are Venues For Minor League Soccer Action The Mid Michigan Bucks begin their 2003 season on Saturday night with a match at a familiar venue in Saginaw Township, followed by another at their new stadium in Berkley on Monday. Both matches are virtually must-wins for the minor league soccer team, if they hope to qualify for a Premier Development League (PDL) record fifth appearance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Bucks' upset of Major League Soccer's New England Revolution and subsequent thrilling loss to the Miami Fusion (3-3, 6-5 in PK's) in 2000 were unprecedented in the 86-year history of the tournament. The Bucks, now based in metropolitan Detroit, face the expansion Fort Wayne Fever at White Pine Stadium at 7:30pm on May 17th in their home opener. White Pine has been the site of many US Open Cup games, including two against Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, and the PDL National Championship Game in 2000. "We have great memories of our time in Mid Michigan," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "Hopefully, our boys will provide us with one more on Saturday." Tickets are $7 at the gate in Saginaw, with children under five admitted free. The Bucks play their remaining eight regular season home games at Berkley's Hurley Field and Plymouth-Canton H.S. For a complete schedule, discount ticket locations and more minor league soccer information, fans may go to the franchise's website at: http://mmbucks.com This year's squad is youngest ever and boasts almost an entire roster of players with Michigan connections. "In the past, we felt compelled to bring in players from around the country to put the best product on the field," said Duggan. "But the talent coming out of this state right now is second to none." The minor league soccer franchise features just one player who is either not currently at a state university, developed by Michigan youth programs or that has not played for the Bucks in the past. The roster is loaded with former prep All-Americans and two US National Team players (Knox Cameron, U-20's and Nate Norman, U-18's). "We are young, but we are deep," said Bucks first-year coach, Don Gemmel. The first four games in the PDL count double, as league games and as US Open Cup Qualifiers. "You certainly get your feet put to the fire in this league, with your early games carrying so much importance. It will be interesting to see how our younger players respond to the pressure of opening with a good team like Fort Wayne," said Gemmell. Despite the youth movement, the Bucks do have a number of fan favorites returning this season, including forward Paul Snape "Doggy Dog", the second leading scorer in PDL history. Jason Perry (D), Mychal Turpin (M), Jeff Wiese (GK), Stephan David (M), Tino Scicluna (D), Adam Heinemann (D), Ryan Rzepka (D), Kevin Taylor (D), Boyzzz Khumalo (F), Simon Omekanda (F), Mike White (D) and Justin Detter (M) also return to wear the Green and White this year. BUCKS MAKE BERKLEY DEBUT ON MONDAY, MAY 19thOakland County soccer fans can enjoy the minor league soccer action at Hurley Field in Berkley on Monday as the Bucks take on another PDL expansion franchise, the Toledo Slayers, at 7:30pm with tickets costing just $9 at the gate. Discounted tickets are available from the Berkley Parks and Recreation Department (248-837-8221). Fans wanting more information should go to the bucks website or call 989-781-6888. ##### | |
