 | Mid Michigan Bucks Press Release May 19, 2002
Contact: Amy McLachlan (989) 781-6888 info@mmbucks.com
CHICAGO TOPS MID MICHIGAN IN OVERTIME
The Mid Michigan Bucks minor league soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday in another late-night finish. The Chicago Fire Reserves (2-0) scored 10 minutes into sudden-death overtime on a goal by Denny Clanton to take a 2-1 regular season league victory from the Bucks. Mid Michigan (1-1-1, overall) is still undefeated (1-0-1) in U.S. Open Cup qualifying, with two home matches this week on Thursday (in Saginaw Twp.) and on Saturday (in Canton). The Bucks must win both soccer games to have a chance at making the tournament.
The Bucks took the lead with 25 minutes left on a highlight-reel goal by Adam Heinemann, who scored on a diving header after a cross by Tino Scicluna. Said coach Dario Brose, "Tino made an outstanding play to beat two people and get the ball into the box and then Adam hustled just to get into position. He finished it with style and the fans loved it." Mid Michigan could not hold the lead, however, as Brett Strang scored with three minutes left to send the match between perennially two of the top teams in the Premier Development League (PDL) into overtime. Eric Pogue had five saves on the night for the Bucks. Adam Heinemann was named Offensive Player of the Game, while defender Jason Perry was named Defensive Player of the Game for the Bucks.
Since only two teams from the tough Great Lakes Division make the PDL playoffs at the end of July, every regular season game is critical. "Finishing in the top two in our division is going to be difficult. Right now, we have a lot of very talented guys who need to start playing quicker, smarter and more as a team," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan.
Goals: Bucks - 61st minute Heinemann (Scicluna); Fire Reserves - 87th minute - Strang (Clanton); Fire Reserves - 100th minute - Clanton (Keane)
Bucks' Line-up: Pogue, Kalso, Djeukeng, Swann, Perry, Scicluna, Mack (Heinemann-65th min.), David (Detter 65), Presser (Taylor 69), Snape, Noonan.
Chi FR Line-up: Tomasso, Clanton, Strang, Demerit, Regan (Smith 80), Jerele (Boy 85), O'Rourke, Bereana, Doster (Keane 53), McMahen (Groenwald 42), Merhioskipo.
FINAL TWO OPEN CUP QUALIFIERS THIS WEEK AT HOME
The Bucks will also be hosting games next week in Saginaw Twp. at White Pine Middle School Stadium (Thursday, May 23rd, 7:30pm) vs. the Kalamazoo Kingdom and in Canton at Plymouth-Canton High School (Saturday, May 25th, 5:00pm) vs. Dayton. Discounted tickets for the Dayton game may be purchased from the Canton Soccer Club. For more information fans may go to mmbucks.com or call 734-483-GOAL. Both games are U.S. Open Cup Qualifiers for the Bucks. The Mid Michigan franchise must win both games to have an opportunity to advance to the nation's oldest soccer tournament. | |
