Pontiac, MI (July 5, 2008) – The Michigan Bucks came from behind again Saturday night beating Great Lakes Division rival the Cincinnati Kings, 3-1. In doing so, the Bucks qualified for the USL’s Premier Development League playoffs for the 12th time in 13 years. .
In a well played match, it was Cincinnati that struck first. Tony Ray’s high looping cross into the box bounced once and fell to the feet of David Lopez-Cepero, who calmly slotted the ball past a sprawling Steve Clark in the 7th minute. Thirteen minutes later the Bucks equalized when fullback Dave Hertel made a gallivanting run up the left flank, hitting a low cross into the penalty area first to Nate Jafta, who dummied the ball which allowed Ty Shipalane, in full stride to make it 1-1 in the 20th minute. Shipalane collected his 3rd goal in two matches in first half injury time when he started a give-and-go with Nate Jafta, cutting through the middle of the Kings defenders, he again finished coolly giving the Bucks a 2-1 halftime lead.
In the 2nd half, Cincinnati looked for the equalizing goal, forcing Bucks keeper Steve Clark to make 5 second half saves to keep the one goal advantage. Midway through the half it was Bucks leading scorer Kenny Uzoigwe who put the game on ice. With a great piece of individual skill, Uzoigwe beat 3 Kings defenders up the left hand side of the field, cut into the box and netted his 9th goal of the season.
With the win, the Bucks not only become the first PDL club to clinch a playoff berth in 2008, but are now just one win away from winning their 7th Division title. Their first chance to clinch the division comes this Wednesday July 9, away against the Ft. Wayne Fever. The three points also keeps the Bucks in the driver’s seat for the Central Conference top seed, which would give the team a first round playoff bye.
To keep up with the Bucks progress, please visit www.buckssoccer.com.
Shipalane Makes PDL Team of the Week
The United Soccer Leagues named Bucks midfielder Ty Shipalane to the Premier Development League Team of the Week on Wednesday. Shipalane was vital in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory on Wednesday June 25 away to Chicago, assisting on the first goal, and scoring the winner in the 86th minute. Including last night’s totals, Shipalane has 6 goals and 3 assists in all competitions this year, putting him in 2nd place on the Bucks scoring chart.
Two Bucks Camps Remain for Summer 2008
The Michigan Bucks are holding open registration for the two remaining Bucks Ultimate Camp for Kids. Both camps will be held at Ultimate Soccer Arenas July 21-25 and July 28-August 1, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and will be led by Bucks Striker and Camp Director Kenny Uzoigwe. Cost is $199 per camper and space is limited to keep a small coach to camper ratio. Register today online at buckssoccer.com or by calling the Bucks office at (248) 334-7460.
