| Mid Michigan Bucks Press Release June 23,
2003
Contact: Kyle Karns (989) 781-6888 info@mmbucks.com US OPEN CUP MATCH WITH LONG ISLAND HERE
Detroit-based Bucks Face Top D-3 Pro Team in Berkley on Wednesday The Long Island Rough Riders, defending champions of the D-3 Pro League,
come to town having lost just two of their last 20 games (since July 6,
2002) and will face the Mid Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League
(PDL) this Wednesday. The Bucks are 9-1-1 in PDL play this season, while
the Rough Riders are 6-1-3 in the country's Third Division professional
league. "They got on a roll last year which has carried over to this
season," said Bucks first-year coach, Don Gemmell. When asked about the
difference in the two league's levels of play, Gemmell responded, "They are
the best of Division III, full-time pros and, in our last game, we started
two 18-year old players who have yet to even play a college match."
This Round Two match of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will be held at Berkley's
Hurley Field (7:30pm kick-off). Plenty of good seats are still available
and may be purchased at the gate for $9 (adults) and $5 (kids in uniform -
under age 19). Children under age 5 are free. The winner of that contest
faces the NY/NJ MetroStars of Major League Soccer in Round Three at a venue
yet to be determined by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the
FIFA-affiliated governing body of soccer in this country. The Rough Riders
are coached by Liverpool native Paul Riley and feature one of the stingiest
professional teams in America, having given up just eight goals in nine
games this season. Forwards Derrick Etienne and Cordt Weinstein lead Long
Island in scoring with three goals apiece.
"Long Island is a tough match-up for us," said Gemmell. "They have gotten
goals out of eight different players, so we can't just try to shut down a
couple of scorers. Plus their defenders and keepers are outstanding.
Hopefully, we can keep it close until the end - I don't expect a high
scoring game." The Bucks have done just enough to win most of their games
so far this year, but have also nearly lost to a number of weaker PDL teams.
"For the first time this year, everyone will need to play their best for the
entire match, if we are going to have a chance to win," Gemmell summarized.
BUCKS FACE 2ND-PLACE INDIANA AT CANTON ON FRIDAY
The Bucks' next game at Plymouth-Canton High School will be against the
Indiana Invaders on Friday, June 27th at 8:00pm, with tickets costing just
$9 at the gate. Discounted tickets are available at Bucks ticket outlets
throughout the metropolitan Detroit area. Fans wanting more information
should go to the Bucks website or call 989-781-6888. For a complete
schedule, discount ticket locations and more minor league soccer info, fans
may go to the franchise's website at:
http://mmbucks.com
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