Grand Rapids, MI (June 21, 2007) -- The 2006 North American Champion Michigan Bucks matched their twelve year history unbeaten steak at 17 games when they tied the West Michigan Edge 1-1 last night in Grand Rapids.  As much as the team was disappointed it did not finish the game with a victory, it makes for great drama as the team returns to their original home in Saginaw on Saturday night when they take on the Indiana Invaders to try and set another team record.  Saturday night’s match will be played at 8:00 PM as part of the  14th Annual Saginaw 7-11 Saginaw Soccer Classic and will be free admission thanks to several of the Bucks sponsors that have purchased the game and made it free to the general public.
 
The Bucks fell behind to the Edge last night 1-0 on a goal from Tom Oatley in the 37th minute on a nice pass from Jake Stacey.  The usually prepared second half quick strike offense was on again for the defending North American Champs, as speedy winger Ty Shipalane (Lindsey Wilson) was taken down in the penalty box and the Bucks were awarded a penalty kick in the 47th minute.  Captain Mike Holody (Michigan) drove home the tying goal that seemed to bring life into the Bucks.  Both teams continued to battle throughout the second half with the Bucks nearly pulling off their usual late minute heroics.  But this time, fate would not be on their side.  Kenny Uzoigwe has made a living by scoring second half goals for the Bucks the past two seasons, but he was thwarted by the goal post in stoppage time after having dribbled the Edge goal keeper.  Only a minute later, Michigan leading scorer Khelli Dube broke in on goal but had his high strike tipped over the bar as time expired.  The tie leaves the Bucks undefeated and atop the Great Lakes Division (6-0-3), while the Edge moved to 4-4-3 on the year for third place.
 
Saturday night’s return to Saginaw will be the Bucks first return "home" since they moved the team to Detroit in 2002 after having five successful years in Mid Michigan.  As a special treat for the return visit, the Bucks will be retiring three former members of the early team that have had a significant impact on soccer in Saginaw, the state of Michigan and across the country.  Joining current Bucks stars in the Hall, Paul Snape and Tino Scicluna, will be former coach Steve Burns, player Benji Djeukeng and former GM and co-owner of the team, Jim Duggan.  The special presentation will take place at half-time of the Bucks/Invaders match.  Since bleacher seating will be limited and the all tournament teams are encouraged to attend, fans will be invited to bring their own chairs to enjoy the festival seating arrangement that will surround most of the field.
 
For further information and directions to the Saginaw Soccer complex, please visit the Bucks website at buckssoccer.com and click on the schedule link.