BUCKS AT IT AGAIN, TAKE DOWN RIVERHOUNDS TO ADVANCE IN OPEN CUP

Rochester, MI (June 14, 2006) - The Michigan Vardar Bucks continued their storied run at professional soccer teams by beating another quality team in the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 2-0 at Rochester Adams High School in the First Round of the 2006 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Bucks jumped out early on the Riverhounds by converting a quick goal in the 14th minute. Bucks leading goal scorer Kenny Uzoigwe finished another great goal, with the assist going to his shadow Nate Jafta, who has assisted on nearly every one of Kennys league leading goals this year. The Bucks struggled with the size and speed of the Pittsburgh squad for much of the first half, and realized the only way to deal with their talented superiors was to keep the ball in the opposite end.

The Bucks used the home crowd and home field advantage to come out in the second half and do what needed to be done. Knowing that a one goal lead would not be enough to hold off Pittsburgh, the Bucks pressed early in the second half and were rewarded with a nice finish from Mychal Turpin, who completed the scoring off another incredible assist from Nate Jafta. The Bucks defense did the job the rest of the way, as they held the taller and faster opponents from penetrating the goal. With the Bucks victory, they advance to the Second Round of the US Open Cup, where US Soccer has announced that they will host the Division 2 Professional Cincinnati Kings on Wednesday, June 28 at Stoney Creek High School at 7:30 PM. Bucks first year head coach Dan Fitzgerald was pleased with the Bucks effort for several reasons. We have been in a bit of a funk the past few games, and we just needed someone to step up and get the fire going. We just didnt click the past few games, but it came to us today in the US Open Cup. This is why these boys come to play for the Bucks and the team effort tonight was one I have not witnessed thus far this season. We beat a VERY good team tonight- and it took every man and everything we had to do it.

The Bucks first year of eligibility in Open Cup was 1997, and they have made it a focus ever since. This was the 6th professional team the Michigan squad has dethroned in Open Cup in the past 10 years, another PDL record. The Bucks continue their league play with another home game on Sunday (Fathers Day) against the Cleveland Internationals at Stoney Creek High School (6:30 Kickoff). Tickets for Sundays game are $10 Adults and $5 Youth and are available at the gate.