 | June 13, 2003 From: MLSDetroit.com
BUCKS WIN COULD BRING MLS TO DETROIT
Winner of June 25th game gets NY/NJ MetroStars
Third round pairings for the 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced yesterday from the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). The winner of the Mid Michigan Bucks (PDL, Division 4) - Long Island Rough Riders (PSL, Pro Division 3) match on June 25th in Berkley will face the league-leading NY/NJ MetroStars of Major League Soccer (MLS). Although the venue is yet to be decided, the date is set for July 16. "One of our team's major objectives each year is to play our way into the Open Cup, with the hopes of playing and even hosting an MLS team," says Bucks co-owner Dan Duggan. "If we are fortunate enough to get the opportunity, we would host the first-ever MLS game at Hurley Field." The Bucks have played four MLS teams in previous Open Cups (1-2-1 record), hosting two of those games while playing in Saginaw in 1999 and 2000. Last year the Bucks moved their home base to Livonia and split their home games between Berkley's Hurley Field and Plymouth-Canton High School.
"Before we get caught up in the possibility of playing the Metro Stars, we have a monumental task ahead of us with Long Island", warns Bucks co-owner and GM Jim Duggan. "They are full-time professionals who would love to play a game against their neighbor and big brother in New York." The Rough Riders are the defending Division Three professional national champions and one of the United Soccer Leagues' most successful franchises. World Cup goalkeeper (currently with Kansas City Wizards of MLS) Tony Meola heads their long list of alumni. "We are going to need a completely healthy team, an outstanding performance from all of our players and possibly a little luck to upset the Rough Riders," adds Jim Duggan.
Tickets for the June 25th match at 7:30 at Berkley's Hurley Field may be reserved now at 989-781-6888 or info@mmbucks.com. Adult tickets are $9, children (under 19) in soccer uniform get in for just $5 (kids under 5 are free). "He hope to draw a good crowd on the 25th for a number of reasons," says Dan Duggan. "We not only need the support to motivate our guys that day, but the ability to draw fans would be a decisive factor in our being selected to host a Round Three game, should we be fortunate enough to upset the Rough Riders. Maybe most important, our current low profile campaign to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Detroit would receive quite a boost by hosting a game against the top team in MLS. So, this game could truly be the springboard event we have been looking for to show MLS Detroit wants, and deserves, a Major League Soccer team."
The host venue for the Round Three match-up with NY/NJ will be announced by the USSF after June 25th. For directions to Hurley, and any additional information on the Bucks, please go to:
http://mmbucks.com
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