Bucks News Release, June 30, 2000
MIAMI FUSION GAME TICKETS GO ON SALE
Some locations to have tickets tomorrow; all will by noon on July 5th
The Mid Michigan Bucks have finalized their ticket sales plan for the Round Three, US Open Cup match to be held on Tuesday, July 25th at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Township. The Bucks have made it to the "sweet sixteen" of the nation's oldest soccer tournament with wins over Maryland Jerry D's and Major League Soccer's (MLS) New England Revolution, which was the first victory by a Premier Development League (PDL) club over an MLS team in the history of the US Open Cup. The prize for beating the Revolution at Foxboro Stadium: A home game against the Miami Fusion, also of MLS.
Tickets will be available at participating 7-11 stores in Midland, Bay City and Saginaw on Wednesday, July 5th at noon. At this time, fans wishing to order 10 or more tickets may also call the Bucks office at 517-781-6888. Starting tomorrow, July 1st, the following locations will have a very limited number of tickets on sale: Saginaw County Little Caesars, Kick-It-Around-Sports in Flint (3618 Fenton Rd.), Livonia' Soccer Post (37629 Five Mile Rd.), The Trading Post in Plymouth (1009 W. Ann Arbor Rd.), George's Soccer in Lathrup Village (27051 Southfield Rd.) and George's Soccer in Troy (3837 Rochester Rd.). Reserved Section seats are $12 at the gate and $10 in advance.
Mid Michigan also played host to a third round US Open Cup match last year, with 4,887 fans witnessing a 2-1 Tampa Bay (MLS) Mutiny win over the Bucks. "We will do things a little differently this year," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "All tickets sold in advance will be in the Reserved Section, meaning there will be a spot in the bleachers for them, somewhere." Last year all tickets were General Admission, with more than 1,000 fans standing around the field. "We are hoping to get seating for 4,000, but only have 3,100 right now." This includes stands for 600 being loaned and transported by the Saginaw Township Soccer Association.
"Most of the tickets distributed to date will be available at the Little Caesars in Saginaw and the 7-11's in Bay City, Saginaw and Midland. We have had a number of requests for tickets from throughout the state, especially from Detroit, but we may not be able accommodate them all," said Duggan. The franchise plans to minimize the number of 'standing room only' fans this year for safety and logistical reasons. The Bucks office will be closed until noon, Wednesday, July 5th.
Bucks knock off West Michigan to increase lead in division
The Bucks won again in PDL action last night, 3-2, over the West Michigan Edge (4-5). Two second half goals by Ryan Mack, including the game-winner with seven minutes remaining, made the difference for Mid Michigan (10-2). Eric Pogue recorded his eighth PDL victory (against no defeats) in net. The Bucks travel to Dayton on Saturday (7:30pm kick-off) and to West Michigan on Monday (8:00pm).
Bucks News Release, June 27, 2000
BUCKS WIN TWO ON THE ROAD
Soccer team to announce Miami Fusion game ticket information Friday
The Mid Michigan Bucks minor league soccer team returned their focus onto the Great Lakes Division title last weekend, with victories over the Dayton Gems and Kalamazoo Kingdom. The Bucks (9-2, 46 points) now lead the Kingdom (7-5, 34 points) in the squad's quest to win an unprecedented five consecutive division crowns in the Premier Development League (PDL).
The Bucks gave up two first-half goals to the Gems on Friday night in Dayton, but exploded for three second-half goals to break the 2-2 halftime deadlock. Paul Snape, Boniventure Maruti, Kevin Jackson, Sam Piraine and Jamal McClendon each scored for the Bucks. PDL assist leader Snape also had two assists. Mid Michigan was also tied with Kalamazoo, 1-1, at halftime on Saturday, but goals from Maruti and Piraine in the second put the Kingdom away. Adam Heinemann opened the scoring for the Bucks. Eric Pogue was in net for the victory, giving him a 7-0 record in league play, with a 1.11 Goals Against Average.
The next match for the Bucks will be on Thursday (6:30pm) at Oakland University vs. the West Michigan Explosion. The team goes back on the road on Saturday against Dayton (7:30pm) and to West Michigan on Monday, July 3rd (8:00pm). The Bucks return to Saginaw on Saturday, July 22nd for a match with the Lexington Bluegrass Bandits at White Pine Stadium (7:30pm).
Ticket Information for US Open Cup Match Released on Friday
The Bucks are finalizing plans for their Round Three US Open Cup match against the Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer (MLS) on July 25th at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Twp (7:30pm); ticket information will be announced on Friday, June 30th. The Bucks advanced to the "sweet sixteen" round of the nation's oldest soccer team by knocking off the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium on June 14th, 1-0. The Bucks became the first PDL (Division IV) team in the history of the US Open Cup to defeat an MLS (Division I) team.
Mid Michigan hosted the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS) in the tournament last season, losing 2-1 before an overflow crowd of 4,887 at White Pine. The team's front office will announce on Friday the ticket outlets for the Miami Fusion game, as well as the date tickets will be available at each site, and ticket prices. "Advance tickets will be no more than $10, and they will be good for 'Reserved Section' seating, meaning they will not have to stand," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. The franchise sold only General Admission tickets to the Tampa Bay game in 1999, forcing nearly 1,000 fans into Standing Room Only areas. "We want those who buy in advance to know they will have a seat."
MLS RETURNS TO MICHIGAN
Mid Michigan Bucks' reward for upset of New England is Round Three home game
For the second consecutive year, Saginaw Township's White Pine Stadium will play host to a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in US Open Cup play. Following the Premier Development League (Division IV) team's stunning 1-0 upset of the New England Revolution last Wednesday in Round Two of the nation's oldest soccer tournament, the Mid Michigan Bucks will host another MLS squad, the Miami Fusion, on July 25th. The Bucks lost, 2-1, to the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS) in Round Three of the US Open Cup last season, before a franchise-record, overflow crowd of 4,887 at White Pine. With only 16 teams remaining, the winner will be fighting for a spot in the quarterfinals, against the winner of DC United (MLS) and the Rochester Rhinos (A-League), winners of last year's Cup.
"The only thing that could have topped winning at Foxboro, is getting the opportunity to host another huge game, back here in Michigan," said Bucks co-owner, Dan Duggan. "We have twice as much preparation time this year, and we need to get the word out to all those fans who told us they did not know about the Mutiny game last season. I believe July 25th is going to be a very special night." The Bucks brought in extra bleachers last season to accommodate about 1,000 more fans than the normal 3,000-person capacity. An additional 900 spectators stood, circling the field.
"We will not be able to provide any definitive details about ticket sales or logistics of the game until we get back from this road trip," said Bucks CO-owner and general manager, Jim Duggan. Mid Michigan travels to Dayton (OH) tomorrow, and to Kalamazoo on Saturday, for league matches. "We hope to provide reserved section tickets in early July at local outlets, like we did last season at 7-11 and Little Caesars. I expect a reserved section seat will be about $10, but we still need to work out all the details," said Duggan. Tickets for the Mutiny game last year were $7 and $10.
"Are you kidding me?," was coach Joe Malachino's reaction to the news that his team gets to stay at home for the "sweet sixteen" round of US Open Cup play. "I missed the Tampa Bay game last season, but heard all year-long about what an amazing event it was. This year should be even better, because our guys will have the confidence of knowing they can beat an MLS team. We know we are capable of giving them a game." Miami advanced to Round Three with a 6-1 victory over New Jersey of the D-3 Pro League (Division III). "And it will be exciting for the fans, because the Fusion squad is loaded with talent," said Malachino. Miami is currently 6-7-4, three points behind MLS Eastern Conference leader, New England.
BUCKS COMPLETE EXCITING WEEK
Mid Michigan Bucks defeat New England Revolution, Split Pair of PDL Games
The Mid Michigan Bucks pulled off an upset over the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts on Wednesday night, June 14th. Eric Pogue had several outstanding saves, including one on a penalty kick in the game's seventh minute, to maintain a scoreless game. Chad Schomaker scored after a nice give-and-go play with Paul Snape with less than a minute to play. This victory, the first by a Premier Development League (PDL) team over a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in US Open Cup history, puts the Bucks into Round Three of the nation's oldest soccer tournament. They will face the Miami Fusion on July 25th, with the location of the game yet to be determined.
After returning from their trip to Boston, an exhausted group of Bucks were defeated by Kalamazoo Kingdom on Friday, June 16th, at Oakland University. The score was 2-0 for the Kingdom at the end of the first half. Maruti took control and scored two goals within the first ten minutes of the second half. Chad Schomaker and Paul Snape followed his lead, each scoring a goal for the Bucks. The Kingdom came back from 3-2 and 4-3 deficits to tie the game, and sent it into overtime. Eric Pogue replaced an injured Alan Placek in net for Mid Michigan at halftime. The Kingdom scored in the eighth minute of the extra period, ending the game 5-4. Paul Snape, Adam Heinemann, Davey Hall, and Tino Scicluna each had an assist for the Bucks.
On Saturday, June 17, the Bucks faced the Dayton Gems at the Midland Soccer Complex. Maruti, currently second in the PDL with 12 goals, continued his torrid scoring pace with a goal in the 7th minute of the game. Maruti's goal was assisted by Paul Snape. Maruti then assisted Chad Schomaker's goal. Sam Piraine also scored (on a penalty kick) for the Bucks. The final score of this game was 3-1. The Bucks (7-2) remain in first place in the Great Lakes Division.
The Bucks head to Dayton, Ohio, to play the Gems on Friday, June 23, at 8:00pm. On Sat., June 24, the Bucks will face Kalamazoo once again, but this time the game will be at Kalamazoo, at 7:30pm. The next home game for the Bucks will be on June 29th, at Oakland University(6:30pm). The United States Soccer federation is expected to announce the Round Three US Open Cup host venues on Thursday, June 22nd.
If you haven't already heard, your Mid Michigan Bucks beat the division leading MLS team New England Revolution 1 - 0 on a goal by Chad Schomaker in the 91st minute. Eric Pogue stopped a penalty kick at 8 minutes along with 13 other blocked shots. If you want to see all the "reasons" the Rev fans are putting up for their loss check out the forum at . For some photos and other info about the game check out the compliments of Tony Biscaia.
All I can say is that while I wasn't there and didn't see what the refs/Rev players/field/etc conditions were, I do know the final score on the books is:
Mid Michigan Bucks 1 - New England Revolution 0
By the way, Boniventure Maruti is the PDL player of the week. -- congratulations.
OFF TO NEW ENGLAND FOR THE REVOLUTION
First Place Bucks Take On Red-Hot MLS Team In Open Cup
The Mid Michigan Bucks, a Division IV minor league soccer team, will face the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (Division I), tomorrow at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts in Round Two, US Open Cup action. Game time is 7:30pm. The Bucks earned a trip to Boston after defeating Maryland's Jerry D's in the Round One of the US Open Cup. The game was played on Tuesday, June 6th at White Pine Stadium ending in a 6-0 shutout. Scoring for the Bucks, Boniventure Maruti and David Hall with two, Joe Malachino and Paul Snape with one goal and Snape with one assist. Eric Pogue played strong on goal.
"New England is a tough draw," said Bucks coach, Joe Malachino. "They are an extremely talented group that is playing as well as anyone in MLS right now." The Revolution has won six of their last eight league matches and currently has the second best record (7-4-4) in MLS. "They are at the top of their game, while we still have a ways to go. Our guys will have to play a near perfect game, and get a couple of bounces, to have a chance of knocking them off. But this team has a good deal of confidence in their ability."
The Bucks (6-1 league, 8-1 overall record) advanced to first place in the Great Lakes Division after battling it out with The Kalamazoo Kingdom on Thursday, June 8th at White Pine. The Kingdom scored early in the game, but then the Bucks turned up the heat. They followed with four goals against the Kingdom. Maruti once again scored two of those goals for the Bucks within three minutes of each other. Adam Heinemann and Sam Piraine's goals gave the Bucks two more. Paul Snape had two assists in this game that was played with Alan Placek in goal.
The Bucks took another home victory on Saturday, over the Lexington Bluegrass Bandits, at White Pine. The intensity was high as Lexington's Wendall Collymore earned himself an ejection in the second half. The game resulted in a 7-1 win for the Bucks. Eric Pogue played on goal once again. "Deuce" Maruti, as we should now say, once again had two goals for the Bucks. Also scoring for the Bucks was Tino Scicluna, Adam Heinemann, David Hall, Ousmane Coulibaly, and Paul Snape, who also had three assists, giving him six for the week. The Bucks play Friday against the Kalamazoo Kingdom (6:30pm) at Oakland University and on Saturday vs. the Dayton Gems at the Midland Soccer Complex (6:30pm).
Bucks News Release, June 9, 2000
BUCKS TO FACE OLD RIVAL AT HOME SATURDAY
Lexington is final tune-up before Revolution at Foxboro
Mid Michigan's minor league soccer team has one more opportunity to sharpen their game before taking on the daunting task of facing the of Major League Soccer (MLS) in a US Open Cup match on Wednesday, June 14th. The Round Two game will be played at the Revolution's home stadium in Foxboro, MA at 7:30pm. New England (6-4-4) currently sits atop the Eastern Conference in MLS (Division I), four points ahead of the NY/NJ MetroStars. The Bucks took over first place in their division of the Premier Development League (Division IV) last night, with a win over the Kalamazoo Kingdom.
The Lexington Bluegrass Bandits (1-3) come to White Pine Stadium in Saginaw, for the first time since 1997, in a 7:30pm Great Lakes Division contest on Saturday. The rivalry dates back to the Mid Michigan's first PDL season in 1996, when the 0-4 Bucks defeated an 8-0 Bandits squad in Saginaw, then lost in an ejection filled re-match in Kentucky. The two met again in the Division Championship Game, with the Bucks prevailing - after two overtimes and a shootout -sending Mid Michigan to its first of two PDL Finals appearances. "It is great to have them back in our division," said Bucks coach, Joe Malachino, a player on the inaugural Mid Michigan team. "They were a franchise we looked up to when we entered the league and we always had great games with them." Saturday is 2-for 1 Ticket Night, good on all $7 General Admission purchases.
Bucks Take Great Lakes Division Lead
The Kalamazoo Kingdom came into Saginaw in first-place last night, with a 5-1 record, to face the second-place Bucks, who trailed with a record of 4-1. The Kingdom previously handed the Bucks their only loss of this season in both teams' opening game in Kalamazoo. After a comfortable 2-0 halftime lead, the Bucks lost a remarkable game in which the Kingdom scored with 1 second left in regulation to send the contest into overtime, and again with five minutes left in the second OT. The Bucks avenged that May 6th disaster with a 4-1 drubbing last night. After a Kalamazoo penalty kick goal, the Bucks answered with a tally from Adam Heinemann, two from the Bucks' leading scorer, Boniventure Maruti (7 goals in league play) and one from Sam Piraine, for a 4-1 victory.
Bucks News Release, June 5, 2000
BIG WEEK STARTS WITH OPEN CUP
Winner of Tuesday's game at White Pine gets MLS' New England Revolution
The Mid Michigan Bucks have an added incentive to win tomorrow night in Round One US Open Cup action at White Pine Middle School Stadium in Saginaw Township - a shot at the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS) on June 14th, in Round Two. The Bucks must first beat East Coast amateur powerhouse, Maryland Gerry D's, Tuesday night (7:30pm). "Maryland will be the best team we have faced all season, so we need to play significantly better than we have to date," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "But it is exciting to know that the winner gets the Revolution."
The conducted the draw for Round Two, games scheduled to be played on June 14th, live on their Internet site at 1:00pm today. Divided into two 16-team brackets, six MLS teams and the top two A-League squads from each of the Eastern and Western Brackets were matched up against the remaining 16 qualified teams: Five additional A-League, seven from D-3 Pro League and the four winners from Round One, which features the top four Premier Development League (PDL) against the best four clubs.
"The opportunity to play the New England Revolution should be enough motivation for us to give our best effort. Whether that will be enough to get by Maryland, we'll have to wait and see. I expect an exciting game that will go down to the wire," said Bucks coach, Joe Malachino. The Bucks also qualified for the country's most prestigious tournament in 1997 and 1999, coming from behind in Round One both years to post 3-2 upsets of D-3 Pro teams. "Two of the most exciting wins in franchise history were first round Open Cup matches. Hopefully, we can pull out one more," said Duggan.
Bucks Play for first place on Thursday
Following the June 6th Open Cup match will be two more League games at White Pine on Thursday, June 8th (8:00pm) and Saturday, June 10th (7:30pm). June 8th is Saginaw Township Soccer Association Night and, on Saturday, all fans can get two-for-one on all General Admission ($7) tickets. Thursday's match features the second place Bucks (4-1, 20 points) taking on the first place Kalamazoo Kingdom (5-1, 24 points), the only team to beat the Bucks so far this season. The Bucks stayed in contention for the top spot in the Great Lakes Division via a 4-0 victory over the West Michigan Edge on Friday night. Boniventure Maruti led the Bucks with two goals and Alan Placek recorded his first shutout of the season. Saturday's match brings back an old rival, the Lexington Bluegrass Bandits. The Bucks knocked off the Bandits in a shootout victory in 1996, for the franchise's first division title and trip to the PDL National Championships. Information on all games is available at 517-781-6888.
Bucks News Release, June 1, 2000
BUCKS RETURN TO FLINT ON FRIDAY
Minor League Soccer Team to Face West Michigan in Flushing
The Mid Michigan Bucks will play the West Michigan Edge in Premier Development League (PDL) action on Friday night. The Bucks (3-1 League Record) trail the Kalamazoo Kingdom (4-1) in the race for first place of the Great Lakes Division. Mid Michigan defeated the Edge 6-0 last week in a match that qualified the Bucks for the US Open Cup for the third time in four years. West Michigan is in last place in the division with an 0-3 record.
The Bucks return to Flushing, the site of home game games in 1997 and 1998, in a match sponsored by the Flint Journal. Game time is 8:00pm at Flushing Varsity Field. "We have always enjoyed our games at Flushing," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "It is a tremendous opportunity to expose all the kids playing soccer in the Flint area to the highest level of play in Michigan. This will also be our final tune-up prior to the US Open Cup match, so it is crucial that we play well."
Round One US Open Cup match-ups were announced on Tuesday by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), giving the Bucks a home match vs. the Maryland Jerry D's, a perennial United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) powerhouse. Game time on June 6th is 7:30pm at White Pine Middle School Stadium in Saginaw Township, with the winner moving on to face a top-seeded A-League or Major League Soccer (MLS) team. All tickets will be $5 for the first round, and will be available at the gate beginning at 6:30pm on Tuesday.
"To come through the East Coast USASA qualifying is very difficult and I understand that this is not the first year they have done so," said Bucks coach, Joe Malachino. "We expect to face our most difficult opponent so far this season. Hopefully, we can take advantage of the home field - hosting this event is a huge bonus."
Following the June 6th Open Cup match will be two more League games at White Pine on Thursday, June 8th (8:00pm) and Saturday, June 10th (7:30pm). June 8th is Saginaw Township Soccer Association Night and, on Saturday, all fans can get two-for-one on all General Admission ($7) tickets. Information on all games is available at 517-781-6888.
Bucks News Release, May 31, 2000
BUCKS TO HOST OPEN CUP
Face Round One opponent from Maryland on June 6th in Saginaw
The Mid Michigan Bucks have drawn a team from Maryland for their Round One match in US Open Cup, the nation's oldest soccer tournament. More significantly, the United States Soccer Federation announced today that the Bucks would host the match, to be played at White Pine Middle School Stadium in Saginaw Township, on Tuesday, June 6th. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm. This is the third time in four years that Mid Michigan has qualified for the prestigious tournament.
Round One games consist of the four qualified Premier Development League (PDL) teams squaring off against foes from the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA): Chicago Sockers (PDL) vs. Bavarian Leinenkugal (Milwaukee-USASA), Central Florida (Orlando) Kraze (PDL) vs. Uraguay Soccer Club (Miami-USASA), San Gabriel Valley (CA) Highlanders (PDL) vs. Mexico S.C. (California-USASA) and Mid Michigan vs. Maryland Jerry D's. While the Mid Michigan and Chicago games are scheduled for June 6th, the other two matches are yet to be determined - but must be played by June 6th - according to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
The USSF revised the tournament format this season. Following the four Round One matches, the federation will place 32 teams in brackets, with all 12 Major League Soccer (MLS-Division I) teams and the top four A-League (Division II) teams matched up against the four Round One winners, seven D-3 Pro (Division III) and the remaining five A-League squads. The Round One winner has a 12 in 16, or 75 %, chance of meeting an MLS team in Round Two. Round Two pairings will be made on June 7th at USSF Headquarters in Chicago. The second round match-ups will be made geographically, and the brackets should then be set for the entire tournament.
"Obviously, we are excited to be back in this event, especially since qualifying was brutal," said Bucks coach, Joe Malachino. "Qualifying for Open Cup was one of our team goals from the beginning of the season, as is playing an MLS team. We have a huge job to do on June 6th, if we want that opportunity for our guys to show what they can do against the best in the country." The Bucks advanced to Round Two in 1997 and to Round Three in 1999 of the US Open Cup.
Tickets for the June 6th match can be reserved by calling 517-781-6888, or can be purchased at the gate at White Pine, beginning at 6:30pm on game night. All tickets will be $5.
Bucks News Release, May 26, 2000
BUCKS HOPE FOR ANOTHER MLS TEAM IN OPEN CUP
Round One winners likely to get Major League Soccer Opponent
Due to a revised format for the nation's oldest soccer tournament, Premier Development League (PDL) teams and United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) clubs could meet Major League Soccer teams as early as the second round of the US Open Cup. For the first time, all 12 MLS (Division I) will be entered into the tournament, which is open to all professional and adult amateur soccer teams in the country, beginning play in Round Two. Round One consists of the four PDL qualified teams (out of 42 in the league) squaring off against the four USASA teams, which survived their own 61-team qualifying.
The 12 MLS teams and the top four A-League (Division II) teams will be seeded, then will be matched up (geographically) against the balance of the 32-team field. The sixteen remaining clubs will include: Four Round One winners, seven qualified D-3 Pro (Division III) teams and the bottom five seeded A-League squads. Round One match-ups, to be played by June 4th, will be determined by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) by May 29th, at the conclusion of USASA's qualifying.
"It will be much more difficult for a PDL or USASA team to make a run this year," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "Four of us get knocked out in the first round, and the winners automatically face one of the best A-League teams, or an MLS team, in the second. There is an upside, from a promotional standpoint, that the winners may get to host a big name franchise as early as Round Two." The Bucks made the tournament last season and proceeded to upset Austin (D-3 Pro) and Minnesota (A-League) in the first two rounds. Mid Michigan's run ended with a 2-1 loss in Round Three to the Tampa Bay Mutiny of MLS before 4,887 fans at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Township.
Bucks Open in Saginaw on Saturday
Meanwhile, the regular season continues, with the Bucks' first home game in Saginaw this season tomorrow at White Pine against the Dayton Gems. Game time is 7:30pm and General Admission tickets are just $5. Dayton and Mid Michigan are tied at the top of the Great Lakes Division with 2-1 records (10 points). In a non-league game on May 13th, the Bucks came out on top 9-0. Bucks coach Joe Malachino expects to see a different team on Saturday, "Believe or not, they are a good team. The day after our game, they beat Kalamazoo, the team that beat us, 5-1. I am sure they will come out hard to atone for what was probably an embarrassing performance for them. It should be an excellent game."
Bucks News Release, May 25, 2000
BUCKS OPEN IN SAGINAW WITH GAME FOR FIRST PLACE
Team also awaits word on Round One US Open Cup opponent & match date
The Mid Michigan Bucks will play their first game of the season at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Township, this Saturday night, against the Dayton Gems. The match features the two teams currently tied for first place in the Great Lakes Division with identical 2-1 (10 points) records. The Bucks defeated the Gems 9-0 in a game on May 13th that counted towards US Open Cup qualifying only (not towards either team's regular season record). Teams receive four points for a win, one point for a tie and one point for scoring three or more goals in a game. Each team plays 18 regular season games. "We expect a very close game on Saturday," said Bucks coach, Joe Malachino. "We caught them off-guard last time, and they were undermanned. I would hope we would not take a team that is tied with us for the division lead lightly. We can use a tough game to prepare for our Open Cup match." Game time is 7:30pm.
Waiting For News on US Open Cup
The Bucks are also anxiously waiting for news from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) regarding the opponent, date and venue for their Round One US Open Cup match. Mid Michigan qualified in dramatic fashion, winning 6-0 on Tuesday over the West Michigan Edge, handing the Bucks the fourth (out of 42 teams), and final, Premier Development League (PDL) Open Cup berth. Finishing tied with the Des Moines Menace with matching 3-1 records and 15 points each, the Bucks qualified on the third tie-breaker, which is total goals scored, 20-12.
Boniventure Maruti and Sam Piraine each scored two goals on the day, but it was Stephen Armstrong's goal with 15 minutes remaining that put the Bucks into the tournament, giving the squad the all-important third goal, and the bonus point, that forced the tie-breaker with Des Moines. Maruti's goals at the 23rd and 44th minutes gave the Bucks a 2-0 halftime lead on assists from Armstrong and Chad Schomaker, respectively. But Mid Michigan, who would register 31 shots, missed several quality scoring opportunities.
The second half saw more of the same, as the Bucks misfired on several additional chances. "We were starting to wonder if that third goal was ever going to come and we could see that the guys were feeling the pressure to score. It is a good sign, though, that they overcame that pressure," said Malachino. Armstrong's goal was assisted by former college (Butler University) teammate, Tino Scicluna. 18-year old Bobby Hillman added one, to Piraine's two goals in the next 15 minutes, to finish up the scoring. Goalkeeper Eric Pogue made two saves for the shutout, while Hillman and Maruti each added one assist.
The four PDL qualifying teams - San Gabriel Valley (CA) Highlanders, Chicago Sockers, Central Florida Kraze and the Bucks will face four United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) teams in games to be played by June 4th. The USSF will announce the match-ups and host venues by Monday, as the USASA qualifying ends this Sunday. "Whether we host the game or need to travel, we will not have much time to prepare, but that is the nature of this tournament," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. Round One winners will have a 75% chance of facing a Major League Soccer team in Round Two.
The Mid Michigan bucks snagged the wildcard position for the 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Bucks finished qualifying with 15 points in four games in a tie with the Des Moines Menace. With the goals scored tiebreaker, the Bucks beat the Menace 20-12. The Bucks join San Gabriel Valley, Chicago, and Central Florida as the PDL teams in the Open Cup tourney.
Bucks News Release, May 22, 2000
FINAL OPEN CUP BERTH STILL POSSIBLE
Coulibaly's goal at the 86th minute on Friday keeps Bucks' hope alive
Premier Development League (PDL) Open Cup qualifying will come down to two games on Tuesday night, both of which needed to be rescheduled from last week due to weather. Three Conference winners have been determined, leaving only the wild-card spot up for grabs. 36 teams have been eliminated, leaving three teams, including the Bucks, vying for the coveted final berth into the country's oldest soccer tournament, the US Open Cup.
Mid Michigan's Ousmane Coulibaly scored with four minutes remaining on Friday night to give the Bucks a thrilling 3-2 win over the Indiana Invaders. The Bucks are now 2-1, with 10 points, in US Open Cup qualifying and need to beat the West Michigan Edge, and score at least three goals, to finish with 15 points. The Bucks would advance, assuming the New York Freedom, who also have 10 points and play a rescheduled match on Tuesday against New Brunswick, do not score 12 goals in their match. Since New York, Des Moines and Mid Michigan would be tied with 15 points, and have had no head-to-head matches, the next tie-breaker is total goals scored. Currently Mid Michigan, with a 2-1 record and 10 points, has 14 goals, Des Moines 3-1 with 15 points, 13 goals and New York at 2-0-1 with 10 points, has 5 goals. Teams receive four points for a win, one point for a tie and one point for scoring three or more goals in a game.
Central Florida (4-0, 18 points) won the Eastern Conference, while Chicago (4-0, 19 points) carried the Bucks' Central Conference and San Gabriel Valley, CA (3-1, 14 points) qualified from the Western Conference. The four PDL qualifying teams will meet the top four United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) teams in First Round action, in games to be played by June 4th. Match-ups will be determined, geographically, later this week by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). "We not only need to win, but also score at least three goals tomorrow," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "As we found out on Friday, that is no easy task in this league." Mid Michigan got on the board with a goal from Paul Snape "Doggy Dog" at the 18th minute, on an assist from Adam Hunter. Following a tying goal from Indiana's Pablo Rodriguez at the 25th minute, Hunter finished a play from Davey Hall with seven minutes left in the first half, to go into the locker room with a 2-1 lead. The Bucks pressured Indiana the entire second half, but gave up a tying goal to Rodriguez with five minutes remaining. Coulibaly scored off a cross from Tino Scicluna less than a minute later to seal the 3-2 victory, and 5 points for the Bucks.
The Bucks face West Michigan tomorrow at 6:30pm at grace Bible College in Grand Rapids. Complete Open Cup Qualifying standings to follow.
Bucks News Release, May 11, 2000
BUCKS LOOK TO REBOUND
Team needs three straight wins to stay alive in US Open Cup qualifying
The Mid Michigan Bucks have their work cut out for them, if they are to remain in the hunt for a berth in the 2000 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tournament, following last week's opening game loss to the Kalamazoo Kingdom, 3-2, in overtime. With three games left in qualifying, the Mid Michigan minor league soccer franchise will need to win all three, and hope that no other team in the Central Conference (Great Lakes and Heartland Divisions) goes 4-0. The Bucks play at the West Michigan Edge on Friday (8:00pm) and face the Dayton Gems in Grayling on Saturday night (7:30pm).
"We have certainly dug a deep hole for ourselves," said first-year Bucks coach, Joe Malachino. "Hopefully, we have learned our lesson regarding complacency." The Bucks squandered a 2-0 halftime lead, giving up the tying goal with seconds left in regulation, and then the game winner during the second sudden-death overtime at Kalamazoo. "We are still alive, but we need to start capitalizing on our scoring opportunities and we must tighten up our defense," said Malachino. The best record from each of the three Premier Development League (PDL) conferences advance, as will the best overall second place team, based on points. Teams receive four points for a win, one point for a tie and one point for scoring three or more goals in a game.
"It is possible that no team in our conference will win all four games," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "We need to not only win our games, but score at least three goals in each one, to have a chance." The Bucks qualified last season by going 4-0 in qualifying, and then surprised the Austin Lone Stars (D-3 Pro League) and the Minnesota Thunder (A-League) to advance to Round Three of the nation's oldest soccer tournament, and a date with Major League Soccer's Tampa Bay Mutiny. The 2-1 loss to the Mutiny, in front of a franchise-record crowd of 4,887 at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Township, snapped the Bucks' 17-game winning streak last season.
Mid Michigan will have the 1999 PDL assist leader back in the line-up this weekend. Paul Snape "Doggy Dog" returns after serving a one-game suspension for receiving a red card (ejection) in last season's final match against the Sioux City Breeze. "Doggy adds quite a bit to our squad," said Duggan. "But our entire team needs to pick up their level of play." Ryan Mack and Boniventure Maruti scored for the Bucks against Kalamazoo on assists from Tino Scicluna and Chad Schomaker, respectively. Alan Placek was in net, as Mid Michigan out-shot the Kingdom 18-9. The Bucks final qualifier is on Friday, May 19th at the Indiana Invaders (South Bend). The team opens in Saginaw with a league match against the Dayton Gems on May 27th (7:30pm) at White Pine.
Bucks News Release - May 3, 2000
BUCKS RETURN 11 FROM LAST SEASON
Media Day Planned For May 4th @ Carman-Ainsworth Junior High
The Mid Michigan Bucks minor league soccer franchise announced today the signing of nine more returning players from last season's division championship squad. They join midfielder Tino Scicluna and goalkeeper Alan Placek, who signed with the club last month. Headlining the list are the 1999 Premier Development League (PDL) Assist Leader (11), Paul Snape "Doggy Dog" and Ryan Mack. Mack is also coming off of his second consecutive season as a starter for the NCAA Division I Champions, Indiana University. Other returning players for the Bucks include goalkeepers Eric Pogue and Mike Skolnik, defenders Davey Hall, Nick Stockyj and Adam Heinemann, as well as midfielders Chad Schomaker and Chris King.
"People tend to focus on the guys we had that moved up to higher leagues, but this is a terrific cast returning," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "Almost all of these guys played a lot of minutes for us last season." This will be Schomaker's and Snape's fourth season with the team. "Chad and Doggy have become fixtures in Mid Michigan, and we are expecting a great deal of leadership from them," said Duggan. The Bucks also expect to announce an impressive list of newcomers on Thursday.
Media Day: Thursday, May 4th @ Flint Carman-Ainsworth Junior High
Players, and coach Joe Malachino, will be available for interviews at 6:00pm and again at the end of practice at 8:30pm. The team will provide biographies and other information on Thursday.
First Game: US Open Cup Qualifier @ Kalamazoo this Saturday
The Bucks open on the road at the Kalamazoo Kingdom on Saturday, May 6th @ 7:30pm. The game is the first of four US Open Cup Qualifiers and also counts as a league match. Grayling High School will host the Bucks in a "home" opener on Saturday, May 13th (7:30pm), with the first match in Saginaw scheduled for Saturday, May 27th vs. the expansion Dayton Gems at White Pine Middle School Stadium. The team with the best record from the Central Conference (Great Lakes and Heartland Divisions) will advance to Round One of the US Open Cup. The top team will likely have to win all four qualifying games.
Mid Michigan qualified by winning their first four games last season, and then scored upsets over D-3 Pro League's Austin Lone Stars and eventual A-League Champion, Minnesota Thunder, before dropping a 2-1 decision to Major League Soccer's Tampa Bay Mutiny, in front of 4,887 fans at White Pine. The loss also ended a franchise-record winning streak at 17 games. "Qualifying from the PDL is very difficult, since you need to beat out 11 other teams. Hopefully, we can win those first four again, but right now we are just worried about Kalamazoo," said Bucks coach Joe Malachino.
Mini-Season & National Championship Tickets
Mini-Season ticket packages are on sale now at the Bucks office (517-781-6888). Packages are $45 and include reserved section seating to all White Pine Stadium games, including five Regular Season matches and the four National Championship Tournament contests (two Semifinals on Friday, plus the Consolation and Championship games on Saturday). Tickets for just the Championship Tournament will go on sale to soccer groups and at Bucks games beginning May 13th. Sales to the general public begin in early June.
| 2000 PDL Central Conference | |
| Great Lakes Division | Heartland Division |
| Mid Michigan Bucks | Wisconsin Rebels |
| Kalamazoo Kingdom | Chicago Sockers |
| Lexington Bluegrass Bandits | Rockford Raptors |
| West Michigan Edge (formerly Explosion) | Des Moines Menace |
| Dayton Gems | Twin Cities Tornado |
| Indiana Invaders | Thunder Bay Chill |
Bucks News Release - April 13, 2000
MALACHINO TO LEAD BUCKS IN 2000
Scicluna and Placek Also Return To Soccer Franchise
The Mid Michigan Bucks have brought in a familiar face to take over the reigns of one of the top Premier Development League (PDL) teams in the country. Joe Malachino, one of the original Bucks who led the squad to consecutive PDL Finals appearances in 1996 & 1997, was named today as head coach of the minor league soccer franchise at a press conference at Hooters of Saginaw. The 29 year-old veteran of the Detroit Rockers professional indoor team will replace Steve Burns, who accepted the head coach position for the University of Michigan's inaugural men's varsity program. Burns was at the helm for the Bucks' first four years, compiling an overall record of 69-28, winning four consecutive Great Lakes Division titles.
"I am most excited about the opportunity for another shot at the PDL title. We've been there twice and I'd like to finally win it," said Malachino, captain of the 1997 squad, with his first words upon accepting the position. "I look forward to the challenges of coaching at this level and to renewing my relationship with the Bucks owners. I have a lot of fond memories from playing in Mid Michigan."
"I like that his focus is on the title, that is one of the reasons he was so high on our list (to coach the team)," said Bucks co-owner, Dan Duggan. "The players all respect him and he knows what playing at a higher level is all about." A Dallas, Texas native and graduate of Texas Christian University, Malachino played professionally for the A-League's Cincinnati Riverhawks (Divison II) in 1998 and has spent five years with the Rockers, whose players elected him captain this season. He was one of the Detroit team's leading scorers with 20 goals this year. Malachino is expected to see some action on the field as well this season for the Bucks. "We hired Joe as coach and it will be his call as to how much he plays," said Bucks co-owner and general manager, Jim Duggan. "He is still in the prime of his career, so I don't expect anyone to come in and outplay him, though he will have an awful lot of young talent on this team to evaluate."
Two Fan Favorites Return
The Bucks expect to announce several player signings next week, but used this occasion to welcome back two standout veterans, goalkeeper Alan Placek and midfielder/defender Tino Scicluna. Both players were also members of the '96 & '97 teams that reached the PDL finals and were key components of last year's squad that reached Round Three of the US Open Cup. The Bucks' 17-game winning streak and historic run in the tournament ended with a 2-1 loss to Major League Soccer's Tampa Bay Mutiny, in front of 4,887 enthusiastic fans in Saginaw.
Placek finished with one of the league's best Goals Against Average of 0.89 during the regular season in 1999, posting a 7-2 record. He also played all three US Open Cup games, leading the Bucks to upset victories over the D-3 Pro League's Austin Lone Stars, 3-2, and the A-League Champions, Minnesota Thunder, 2-1. Placek also made several outstanding saves in the loss to Tampa Bay. The 24 year-old Shelby Township native and Butler University graduate just completed his first professional indoor season with the Rockers.
Scicluna, another 24 year-old Butler University graduate, just completed his second season with the Rockers. Last year's co-captain of the Bucks, Tino is considered by players and management, who awarded him with the first annual "Paul Scicluna Player of the Year" honor last season, to be the heart and soul of the franchise. The award honors players who most exemplify the spirit, heart and class of his late uncle, who was an owner and co-founder of the Bucks. Scicluna and Placek have played together since they were in grade school and were the cornerstone of four consecutive state championship teams at Detroit Country Day.
2000 Schedule Released
The Bucks will again compete in the Great Lakes Division, which has added the Dayton Gems and the Lexington (KY) Bluegrass Bandits. The Wisconsin Rebels, Rockford Raptors and Chicago Sockers were all realigned to the Heartland Division for the 2000 season. "We are going to miss our games with those teams, especially Chicago," said Jim Duggan. "All three of those games were almost as good as the Tampa Bay game." While the Bucks won the regular season series, two games to one, the Sockers captured the PDL crown in Spokane, WA.
The Great Lakes Division could be just as tough this season, however. "Dayton is a first-year team, but the players come from an amateur club that has been around for years, mixed with a number of pro indoor guys and Lexington has always been one of the premier clubs in the league." Mid Michigan beat Lexington in a shootout for the division title in 1996 for the Bucks' first trip to the PDL finals. The West Michigan Explosion, Kalamazoo Kingdom and Indiana Invaders return to round out the Great Lakes.
The Bucks open at Kalamazoo on May 6th and will host the Dayton Gems on May 13th for a match to be played at Grayling High School. Five Regular Season games will be played at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Twp., as will the 2000 PDL National Championship Tournament on August 11th and 12th. The host Bucks and the three PDL conference champions will square of in a "final-four format" event. Mid Michigan will also continue the tradition of playing off-site home games this season. Flushing, Midland and Oakland University in Rochester (two games) will once again join Grayling as host venues. The first four games will be US Open Cup qualifiers, with the top team from the Central Conference (Great Lakes and Heartland Divisions) advancing to Round One.
Mini-Season & National Championship Tickets
Mini-Season ticket packages go on sale this Monday, April 17th at the Bucks office (517-781-6888). Packages are $45 and include reserved section seating to all White Pine Stadium games, including five Regular Season matches and the four National Championship Tournament contests (two Semifinals on Friday, plus the Consolation and Championship games on Saturday). Tickets for just the Championship Tournament will go on sale to soccer groups and at Bucks games beginning May 13th. Sales to the general public begin in early June.
The complete 2000 Bucks Soccer Schedule is included with this release. The first home game at White Pine is on Saturday, May 27th (7:30pm) vs. the Dayton Gems.
Open Tryouts: April 22nd
The Bucks will hold open tryouts at Flint Carman-Ainsworth Junior High School, Field B, at 10am on Saturday, April 22nd. Players under 18 years old will need a guardian present for registration. The session is expected to last three hours. Flint Carman-Aisworth (Field A) will be the site for the Bucks training sessions this season.
Bucks News Release - February 10, 2000
BUCKS TO HOST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
To Be Held At White Pine On August 11 & 12
Mid Michigan will play host to the 2000 Premier Development League (PDL) National Championship this August at White Pine Stadium in Saginaw Township. The PDL is the third level of minor league soccer of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), which supports the top tier of professional soccer in America, Major League Soccer (MLS). The Mid Michigan Bucks were awarded host status today in an announcement by USL Commissioner, Francisco Marcos. The Semifinals will be held on Friday, August 11th, with the Third Place and Championship matches on Saturday, August 12th.
"This is going to be a terrific showcase for Mid Michigan," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. "We intend to stage the finest event in the history of the league and, hopefully, our team will show well, too." Three Conference Champions and the host Bucks will make up the "final four" format field. The Bucks have won an unprecedented four consecutive division titles since their inaugural season in 1996 and have qualified for two finals (1996 & 1997). Mid Michigan was eliminated in the Conference Semifinals against the Sioux City Breeze last season, finishing a 20-4 season that saw the Bucks advance to Round Three of the US Open Cup against the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS). The 2-1 defeat ended the Bucks' 17-game winning streak in front of a franchise record crowd of 4,887 at White Pine.
"Last year's match with Tampa Bay displayed to the league our ability to host a major event and that fans from our area would support quality soccer. Our fans will now get an entire weekend of the same quality soccer, with the PDL's ultimate prize at stake," said Duggan. "The National Championship is the one goal we have yet to achieve as a franchise. Hosting the tournament will give us another, and possibly our best, opportunity to win the title." Four Bucks players - Mike Dodd, Benji Djeukeng, Eric Pogue and Stephen Armstrong - were drafted into the A-League (professional Division II) this past weekend and a fifth, Rodrigo Costa, is expected to sign as a free agent with the A-League as well. Armstrong was also drafted by D.C. United of MLS (Division I).
While more than half of last year's squad is expected to return to the Bucks for the upcoming season, the franchise is busy recruiting more potential MLS draftees. "We have a line on some of the most exciting amateur players in the country. I think our fans will be pleased with the talent level again this year," said Duggan. Duggan cited the support of the following organizations as critical to the successful bid process: Saginaw County Convention Bureau, Crowne Plaza Hotel, WEYI-TV 25, Saginaw News, Little Caesars of Saginaw County, Saginaw Township Community Schools, Michigan State Youth Soccer Association, Michigan Soccer Association and the Saginaw Township Soccer Association.
Bucks News Release - February 7, 2000
FOUR BUCKS DRAFTED
Armstrong goes 13th Overall in MLS SuperDraft
The Mid Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League (PDL) featured four players last season who were entering their final year of college, making them eligible for the 2000 professional drafts. And yesterday, all four were drafted by A-League teams in the first two rounds and one, midfielder Stephen Armstrong, was also selected by Major League Soccer (MLS), the top professional soccer league in America. Jeremy Aldrich was the first player ever drafted from the Bucks, going to the Miami Fusion in last year's MLS College Draft. The drafts were held in conjunction with the Umbro College All-Star Game, which featured Mid Michigan's Armstrong and Benji Djeukeng playing for the East squad (won by the East 2-1).
Armstrong was picked by defending MLS champions, D.C. United, with the first pick of the second round (13th overall) in the league's inaugural "SuperDraft", which combined their previous Project 40, College and Supplemental Drafts into one six-round event. "Stephen let it be known up front that he wanted to finish his degree and that he may go to Europe to play, so I was very surprised anyone would take him with such a high pick," said Bucks general manager, Jim Duggan. Armstrong is on schedule to graduate from Butler University with a marketing degree in May. "It shows how highly they think of him. D.C. United is not only the best team in MLS, but probably the best organization from top to bottom as well. What a terrific opportunity for him," said Duggan. The Hershey Wildcats of the A-League also drafted Armstrong on the hope that he will not be able to come to terms with United.
2000 A-League Selections Round One
Michael Dodd - Defender (Oakland University) by the Toronto Lynx: 16th overall Age: 22; Hometown: Burlington, Ontario; High School: Millard North - Omaha, Nebraska
Stephen Armstrong - Midfielder (Butler University) by the Hershey Wildcats: 34th overall Age: 23; Hometown: Merseyside, England; High School: Edgemead - Capetown, South Africa
Round Two
Eric Pogue - Goalkeeper (Western Michigan University) by the Hershey Wildcats: 42nd overall Age: 23; Hometown: Troy, MI; High School: Troy Athens
Benji Djeukeng - Defender (Lindsey Wilson College, KY) by the Charleston Battery: 47th overall Age: 28; Hometown: Yaounde, Camaroon; High School: Biyemassi - Yaounde, Camaroon
"We are like proud parents today. We expected all four to go (in the draft) and are confident they will have tremendous professional careers," Duggan said. A fifth player from last season's squad, Rodrigo Costa, is expected to sign a free agent contract with an A-League team as well. "PDL franchises are designed to be victims of our own success; we are here to help these guys move up. Even though we lose five great players, we are developing a reputation as a place for the top players to come and improve their game. We should be able to recruit some outstanding talent for this season," said Duggan.
Down Note
Dodd, while drafted anyway in the first round of the A-League draft, was scheduled to participate on the East squad this weekend, but failed the pre-practice MLS physical. Physicians detected a serious heart ailment and would not allow the defender to showcase his talents to the MLS coaches in Florida. "Mike was gone before I arrived at the combine, and I have been unable to reach him. Hopefully, they were just being overly cautious and it is not a serious condition. He must have been devastated to miss this opportunity, much less learn that his career may be over," said Duggan. Dodd is currently seeking a second opinion.
National Championship Host Expected to Be Named on Thursday
The United Soccer Leagues (USL), the umbrella organization for minor league soccer in the USA including the A-League (Division II), the D-3 Pro League (Division III) and the Premier Development League (PDL) is expected to announce the host franchise for the 2000 PDL National Championship this Thursday. The Bucks have submitted a bid to host the league's premier event on August 11th and 12th at Saginaw Township's White Pine Stadium. The "Final Four" tournament consists of three conference champions and the host team. Mid Michigan has won an unprecedented four consecutive division titles and earned two trips to the finals in their four-year history.
Duggan said hosting the tournament is the ultimate prize for a franchise and winning it is one goal the team has yet to achieve. "The finals are what we play for. Hosting these games would be even bigger than the Open Cup games we had last season, and more significant," Duggan said. Mid Michigan's 1999 team was only the second PDL team in history to advance to Round Three of US Open Cup, losing to the Tampa Bay Mutiny of MLS, 2-1, in front of a franchise record crowd of 4,887 at White Pine, and snapping the Bucks' 17-game winning streak. USL Associate Commissioner, David Askinas, is expected to announce the host venue award via a press release in the morning.
