LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP FINAL FIRST ROUND RESULTS
MID MICHIGAN AND URUGUAY S.C. JOIN THE 32-TEAM SECOND ROUND TO BEGIN ON JUNE 27
The first round of the 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup concluded last night as the Mid Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League (PDL) and the United State Amateur Soccer Assocation (USASA) Region III Champion Uruguay S.C. of Davie, Fla., posted victories to advance to the second round.
Mid Michigan and Uruguay S.C. join the Central Coast Roadrunners (PDL) and Seattle Sounders Select (PDL) as the first round amateur winners in the 32-team tournament, which is slated to begin on June 27.
The host Bucks, who are making their third consecutive Open Cup appearance (fourth overall since 1995), blanked the USASA's Region II representative Chaldean Arsenal of Farmington, Mich., 3-0 in Saginaw Township.
Mid Michigan jumped out to an early 2-0 edge in the first 25 minutes of the game with tallies by midfielders Justin Detter (20th) and Benjamin Djeukeng (25th). Forward Scott Deopere made it 3-0 with two minutes remaining in a match that had Mid Michigan outshoot their opponents 29-5.
The Mid Michigan will now meet Major League Soccer's (MLS) New England Revolution in second round play. This will be a rematch from last year's Open Cup Tournament, when the Bucks stunned the Revolution 1-0 in the second round.
Uruguay S.C. ended the PDL's opportunity of a sweep of the first round games as they defeated the host Miami Strike Force 3-2.
Sebastian Zurita scored two goals and added and assist to the lead the USASA Region III squad to victory.
Uruguay S.C. will face last year's Open Cup runner-up Miami Fusion (MLS) in the second round.
Note - Home teams and venues will be designated for all second round matches on Friday, June 15.
Bucks Beat Chaldean Arsenal in US Open Game
Despite a scoreboard that resembled a closely contested game, the host Mid Michigan Bucks thoroughly controlled the Chaldean Arsenal in a 3-0 first round U.S. Open Cup victory at White Pine Stadium.
The Bucks came out attacking from the get-go with several good scoring chances early but never converted on one until the 20th minute of play when Tino Scicluna found Justin Detter for a goal and a 1-0 lead. Only five minutes elapsed before the Bucks struck again, this time on a goal by Boyzz and an assist by Bobo.
After several more unsuccessful threats the Bucks cruised into half-time with a 2-0 lead and all the momentum in the world, out-shooting their opponents 12-3 in the half and applying immense pressure to former Buck goalie Alan Placek, who stopped 11 shots in the game.
The second half proved to be much the same for both teams as the Bucks continued the dominance, ringing the post a handful of times but failing to reach the back of the net. The Bucks were given even more of an advantage when the Arsenal were called for their second red card of the game and the first of the second half in the 70th minute of action.
Capitalizing on their opponent's miscue, the Bucks continued to pepper the net and finally struck for the third time in the 88th minute to seal the game when Scott Deopere drilled one in from a Paul Snape assist. Thanks to some airtight defense and an attacking offense, the Bucks managed to out-shoot the Arsenal 29-5 in the game and protect goaltender Eric Pogue, who only had to turn away one shot for the shutout.
Look for the Bucks in second round U.S. Open Cup action in two weeks when they will take on the New England Revolution in a site to be determined at a later date. In the meantime, the Bucks play two more games this week as they take on the Chicago Eagles in Chicago at 8:30 on Saturday and then travel to Kalamazoo on Sunday to take on the Kingdom at 7:30
U.S. OPEN CUP DRAW ANNOUNCED
Familiar foes highlight blind draw's matchups for Second Round of the tournament
TAMPA, Fla. (Wednesday, June 13, 2001) - The matchups for the Second Round of the 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced today by U.S. Soccer following a blind draw. Some familiar pairings were derived from the draw, including A-League rivals Rochester and Hershey as well as former U.S. Open Cup rematches between San Jose of Major League Soccer and Central Coast of the Premier Development League and possibly New England (MLS) and Mid Michigan (PDL) should the Bucks prevail in tonight's First Round match versus Chaldean Arsenal of the United States Amateur Soccer Association.
The Rhinos and Wildcats meet this weekend in Hershey in this week's edition of Saturday Night Soccer Digicast on USLsoccer.com in a continuation of a rivalry that has become very heated in the past few postseasons with Rochester eliminating Hershey the past three years.
The Central Coast Roadrunners made one of the more historic runs in the PDL's presence in the tournament, knocking off high-rated D3 Pro League and A-League teams before meeting San Jose in the Third Round. Playing before a franchise-record crowd of 7,112 fans, the Roadrunners were tied, 2-2, with the Clash (now Earthquakes) with 15 minutes remaining. As time wound down, however, San Jose tallied three goals for a 5-2 win, advancing to the Quarterfinals.
The New England Revolution could face the Mid Michigan Bucks in the Second Round for the second straight year if the Bucks defeat Chaldean Arsenal tonight. The Bucks handed the Revolution a shocking loss last year at Foxboro Stadium with a goal from Chad Schomaker in the 90th minute. The Revolution, the second best team in MLS at the time, went into a tailspin following the loss, going 0-5-1 in their next six league matches.
The draw was held in Chicago this afternoon, and consisted of four pots, two for each region, with eight teams in each pot. Both the East and West regions had one pot that consisted of six MLS teams along with two A-League squads. The other pot had the remaining A-League and D3 Pro teams along with the first round amateur winners.
The hosts of the Second Round matches are expected to be announced by U.S. Soccer Friday, June 15.
Michigan Teams Battle in Open Cup Tournament on Wednesday
The Mid Michigan Bucks have once again qualified for the US Open Cup. The Bucks will host the Chaldean Arsenal of Southfield Michigan, Wednesday June 13th at White Pine Middle School (7:30pm). Tickets at the gate will be $7, flex passes will also be honored for this historic match. Flex passes (six admissions for $25) can be purchased at participating 7'11's or at the gate.
LAMAR HUNT US OPEN CUP
Dating back to 1914, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in United States soccer and is among the oldest in the world. Open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States, the annual US Open Cup is an 88-year-old single-elimination tournament.
THE BUCKS US OPEN CUP HISTORY:
2000 US Open Cup: Round 1- Mid Michigan 6, Jerry D's (USASA)0 Round 2- Mid Michigan 1, New England Revolution (MLS) 0 Round 3- Miami (MLS) 3 (6), Mid Michigan 3 (5) PK
1999 US Open Cup: Round 1- Mid Michigan 3, Austin (D3) 2 Round 2- Mid Michigan 2, Minnesota (A) 1 Round 3- Tampa Bay 2 (MLS), Mid Michigan 1
1997 US Open Cup: Round 1- Mid Michigan 3, Wilmington (D3) 2 Round 2- Rochester 3, Mid Michigan 2 (OT)
Two Michigan Teams in 2001 US Open Cup
Mid Michigan Bucks Face Chaldean Arsenal in Historic Match on June 13th
The Mid Michigan Bucks minor league soccer franchise has once again qualified for the US Open Cup, finishing with a 4-0 record and on top of their 14-team group of Premier Development League (PDL - Division IV) teams.
In what is likely the first time in modern history of this tournament (started in 1914), two Michigan teams will meet in the first round as the Bucks take on the Chaldean Arsenal of Southfield, the Region II Men's Amateur (USASA) champions. Kick-off is at 7:35pm this Wednesday, June 13th at White Pine Middle School Stadium in Saginaw Twp. (from I-75 in Saginaw, take M-46 seven miles west to Center Rd. and go north one-half mile). $7 tickets will be available at the gate or in advance at the Trading Post in Plymouth and the Soccer Post in Livonia. Flex Passes (six admissions for $25) are available at participating 7-11s in Saginaw, Bay City and Midland. The Arsenal, coached by USASA "2000 Coach of the Year" Waad Sana, has won two consecutive National Men's Amateur championships. The Arsenal features Detroit Rockers goalkeeper, and former Buck, Alan Placek. This is the Mid Michigan Bucks' third consecutive appearance in the tournament. "I am sure they will be as fired up as our team for what is a truly historic match," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "Everyone involved knows what is at stake."
The Bucks made national headlines last season, becoming the first PDL team to ever defeat an MLS team, by knocking off the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium, 1-0; then were eliminated in Round Three before 4,000 fans in Saginaw Twp., 3-3 (6-5 PKs) by the Miami Fusion (MLS) in what many described as the most exciting soccer game they had ever seen. The Bucks played a man down the entire second half and came from behind twice and saved a penalty kick, all in just the final 10 minutes of regulation. In overtime, a game-winning Bucks' goal was called back by the referee in a controversial hand-ball call. Fusion coach, Ray Hudson, remarked after the match, "It was the game that would not end, against the team that would not die."
The winner of this Round One match could meet a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in Round Two. Round Two will include the four Round One winners (four top PDL vs. four best US Amateurs), 16 A-League (Division II) / D-3 Pro League (Division III) teams and all 12 MLS (Division I) teams. All 12 MLS teams and the top four A-League teams will be seeded, facing the other 16 teams on June 27th. The second round draw will be conducted live on the web (www.us-soccer.com) from United States Soccer Federation headquarters in Chicago, also on June 13th, at 1:00pm EST.
Bucks put together a fine offensive showing
One day after being shut out the Mid Michigan Bucks put together a fine offensive showing in a 5-2 win over the Dayton Gemini on Friday in Dayton. The Bucks got on the board first in the game when Ryan Mack knocked one in on an assist from Benji Djeukeng in the 14th minute of play. But only twelve minutes later the Gemini responded with a goal in the 26th minute to knot the game at 1-1. In the 36th minute of play Paul Snape took full advantage of a free kick to notch the Bucks second score of the game and give the team a 2-1 advantage heading into the half.
Eleven minutes into the second half Chad Schomaker found the back of the net on an assist from Snape to give the Bucks some much-needed momentum. The momentum resulted in another Buck goal in the 66th minute as Snape scored his second goal of the game on a pass from Mack to give the Bucks a 4-1 cushion.
With the game winding down in the 81st minute, Snape got the hat trick as he recorded his third goal of the contest on an assist from Bobo to push the lead to 5-1. Shortly thereafter in the 84th minute the Gemini scored a meaningless goal to close the game out 5-2.
Goaltender Eric Pogue made five stops in the game and benefited from the Bucks out-shooting their opponent 22-11 for the game.
The Bucks now do battle in first round US Open Cup play on Wednesday, 7:30 at White Pine Stadium against the Chaldean Arsenal. The game will be the last one played at White Pine this season. Tickets for the contest are $7 per person or you can purchase Bucks flex passes, which are $25 for six admissions to the game.
Bucks dropped their last regular season home game
The Mid Michigan Bucks dropped their last regular season home game at White Pine Stadium to the Kalamazoo Kingdom 2-0. With the loss the Bucks fall to 5-2 and are currently tied with the Chicago Fire Reserve for the top spot in the USL Great Lakes Division standings.
The Bucks seemed to struggle all night with the Kingdom's packed-in style of play but did get several good scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize as Kingdom goalie Carl Whitehouse made some brilliant saves to keep the Bucks at bay.
After 38 minutes of tightly contested play, the Kingdom were awarded a penalty shot and took full advantage of the opportunity as Vijay Diaz knocked in a shot to put the Kingdom up 1-0. In the remaining minutes a couple Bucks advances were thwarted and the team went into half-time down a goal.
The game seemed to be setting itself up for a repeat performance of the last meeting when the Bucks trailed up until the waning moments of the game before putting together three straight scores to walk away with a 3-1 win as Jason Detter scored on a nice pass from Bobo. But the play was waived off after a delayed offside call and the Bucks never could recover from there and the Kingdom put the game away in the 85th minute on a goal from Ali Lukunga.
The Bucks out-shot the Kingdom 16-12 in the game while goalie Eric Pogue had a fine day in net, turning away eight shots including one save made for the highlight reel.
Next stop for the Bucks is the Chaldeon Arsenal next Wednesday, 7:30 at White Pine Stadium in the opening round of the US Open Cup.
Coming off a disappointing loss
Coming off a disappointing loss on Thursday to the West Michigan Edge, the Mid Michigan Bucks came to play on Saturday at White Pine Stadium in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Eagles. With the whole team intact for the game, the Bucks handed the visiting Eagles a loss in front a sporadic crowd that came out to brave the rainy weather at White Pine.
Notching goals in the game for the Bucks were Bobo on an assist from Scott Deopere, Joe Malachino on a setup from Boyzzz, Boyzzz on Deopere's second assist of the contest and Paul Snape on a pass from Sam Piraine. The Bucks peppered the net with 20 shots in the game while the Eagles managed just 13 with Buck goalie Eric Pogue coming up with eight big saves in the game. "Everyone showed up today," said player/coach Malachino. "What a difference one game can make."
Insider - June 1 (Press Release Contact: Seth Stapleton)
Division Leaders Meet Head to Head Saturday:
The first place Mid Michigan Bucks (Great Lakes Division) will host the first place Chicago Eagles (Heartland Division) June 2nd at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Twp., 7:30pm kickoff.
US Open Cup
The Bucks are awaiting the official word on the First Round US Open Cup tournament pairings. The announcement should be made within the next two days by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). The Bucks will likely play the Chaledaen Arsenal (USASA, Region II Champs) of Southfield, Michigan. The Bucks and the Arsenal, both Michigan based teams, makeup two of the eight Division 4 teams in the tournament from across the country. The game will likely be on June 13th, with the site and time TBD, in Michigan.
| Bucks Players of the Game (thru first 4 games): | ||
| Player | Date | Opponent |
| Benji Deukeng | 5/11 | Kalamazoo |
| Tino Scicluna | 5/19 | Indiana |
| Ryan Mack | 5/25 | Dayton |
| Justin Detter | 5/27 | Chicago FR |
| Bucks Management selects the player of the game after each Bucks victory. | ||
The Mid Michigan Bucks improved their record to 4-0 on the year with a hard fought 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire Reserves on Sunday in Chicago. With the victory the Bucks assured themselves a spot in the US Open Cup and will know their first round opponent by the end of next week after the United States Soccer Federation announces the pairings.
Justin Detter became the hero of the day when he headed in a corner kick from Ryan Mack with 15 minutes remaining in the game to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish. Preserving the victory for the team was goal tender Eric Pogue who came up with several big saves in the final five minutes of play. Pogue recorded six saves in the contest.
Play in the first half and the good majority of the second half was controlled by the Bucks but the team had trouble finding the back of the net until the score by Detter. The final 10 minutes of action belonged to the Fire but tough saves by Pogue thwarted any threats of a tie."We needed to play our best game of the season against this team today and we did just that," said player/coach Joe Malachino. "It was an outstanding team effort."
Benji Djeukeng Makes a Triumphant Return
The Bucks took care of business in their first game of the season last Friday at the expense of the Kalamazoo Kingdom. The Bucks trailed late one to nothing even though they controlled the play. The Bucks responded by scoring three goals in four minutes to notch the victory. Returning star Benji Djeukeng dominated in the midfield and helped the Bucks knock off the pesky Kingdom. Benji was voted to the PDL Team of the Week for his dominating defensive performance. "I was proud of how we didn't panic and stayed with our system", said Bucks Head Coach Joe Malachino.
Deopere and Bobo Join Bucks
Malachino Hopes the Two Can Fill Scoring Void
With former Buck and last season's Premier Development League (PDL) leading scorer, Boniventure Maruti, moving up the ranks to play professionally in Sweden, Mid Michigan's minor league soccer franchise has some big shoes to fill. Coach Joe Malachino hopes they have the answer with the signing of professional players Scott Deopere and Bobo. "These two have shown they score goals at a high level and we expect the same for the Bucks this year."
Bobo, whose given name is Bonyoko Bokole
Bonoyoko Bokole, currently a member of the Congo National Team, resides in Toledo, Ohio. Bobo, who hopes to catch on with a professional team in Europe in August, has played the past two years in the A-League, leading the Connecticut Wolves in scoring in 1999, where he was a fan favorite. The 25 year old striker is 5'10", 160 lbs. "Bobo is a proven player at the professional level. We are very fortunate to have him", says Bucks General Manager, Jim Duggan.
"I can't wait to see Bobo play because I have heard such great things about him", said Bucks Head Coach, Joe Malachino.
Scott Deopere
Signed professionally this year with the Cincinnati Riverhawks of the A-League, Deopere was the 2000 NCAA Division III Player of the Year for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The 5'11", 180 lb striker can also play as an outside midfielder.
The speedy 22 year old two-time All-American scored 26 goals, including 11 game-winners during his senior campaign at UW-Oshkosh, giving him 74 career goals - good for 5th in NCAA History "We have recruited Scott hard for two years. I think he can be one of the best players in the league", Jim Duggan (GM)
The Bucks begin training on Saturday and open on the road at Kalamazoo on May 11th. This is the first of four critical games that count doubly as league matches and US Open Cup Qualifiers. The Kalamazoo Kingdom shocked the Bucks in last season's opening game, 3-2 in overtime, almost crushing the team's hopes of another Cup appearance. Mid Michigan went on to win three games and qualified over Des Moines in a tie breaker formula, having scored more goals in the qualifiers.
Mid Michigan opens at home on Saturday, May 19th (7:30pm) at White Pine Middle School Stadium.
Bucks To Sign Two Stars
Coach Malachino Joins Press Conference Thursday 4/26/01
The Bucks, Mid Michigan's minor league soccer team will hold a press conference to announce the signing of two new professional players on Thursday at 2pm. Coach Joe Malchino and goalkeeper Eric Pogue will also be available at Hooters of Saginaw on N. Niagra for interviews and photo opportunities.
The Five-Time defending Great Lakes Division Champions open their 2001 Premier Development League (PDL) schedule at Kalamazoo vs. The Kingdom on Saturday, May 11th. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th (7:30pm) at White Pine Stadium against The Indiana Invaders. The first four PDL games also count as US Open Cup qualifiers. Only the top four PDL teams out of the 46 from across the country qualify for the nations oldest soccer tournament.
The Bucks made history last season in the US Open Cup by becoming the first PDL team in history to defeat a Major League Soccer (MLS) team when they knocked off the New England Revolution, 1-0, at Foxboro Stadium. The Miami Fusion of the MLS ended the Bucks tournament run with a 3-3 (6-5 in penalty kicks) victory at White Pine Stadium in front of 4,006 fans.
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Money and Bucks |
