 | Mid Michigan Bucks Press Release May 22, 2002
Contact: Amy McLachlan (989) 781-6888 info@mmbucks.com
SAGINAW TO HOST BUCKS' QUALIFIER ON THURSDAY
Soccer Team Needs Win Over Kalamazoo at White Pine to Stay Alive
The Mid Michigan Bucks minor league soccer team is in a must-win situation this Thursday as they return to Saginaw Township's White Pine Stadium for their first home US Open Cup Qualifier. The team is currently undefeated (1-0-1) and a loss will eliminate either team from the tournament. Kick-off is at 7:30pm vs. the Bucks' oldest rival, the Kalamazoo Kingdom (1-1-0) and tickets will be available at the gate for $8 for adults and $5 for students.
The Bucks have made national news over the past three years with runs in the nation's oldest soccer tournament, including the first-ever upset of a Major League Soccer (MLS) team by a Premier Development League (PDL) team over the New England Revolution and the controversial (3-3, 5-6 in penalty kicks) loss to the Miami Fusion in 2000. In 1999, the Bucks hosted a record 4,887 fans in the Third Round against the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS), losing 2-1. The Bucks hold national PDL records for appearances (four) and victories (six) in the Open Cup.
This year's team features many of the fan favorites from the past five years, including Benji Djeukeng, Tino Scicluna, Eric Pogue, and Snape Paul "Doggy Dog". They are being joined by NAIA "Player of the Year" from Lindsey Wilson College, Boyzzz Khumalo and Hermann Award (soccer's Heisman) finalist, Pat Noonan from Indiana University. "This is the most talented group of players we have ever assembled, but we must play together quickly. I believe that by the end of the year, we will be tremendous," said Bucks general manager.
The franchise is playing only two games in Saginaw this summer, down from the five they played last season as the Bucks try to move up in a bigger market. "It is still our plan to have a full-time PDL team up in the Mid Michigan area next summer. It is the perfect sized market for our league and we think there has been a huge increase in interest over the past seven years in our sport," said Duggan. While most leagues are looking at contraction, the PDL has grown from 28 teams to 47 franchises in the last six years, with expansion markets in the Great Lakes Division next season to include Toledo and Ft. Wayne.
FINAL OPEN CUP QUALIFIER THIS WEEK AT CANTON
The Bucks will also be hosting a game next week 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 or will be available at the gate for $9 (adult) and $6 (students). For more information fans may go to mmbucks.com or call 734-483-GOAL. -end- | |
