Michigan Bucks control Chaos to stay unbeaten

Story courtesy Bucks Public Relations

Charleston, WV (June 1, 2008) - Following a grueling three day road trip, the undefeated Michigan Bucks are looking forward to coming home this week with the hopes of extending their perfect season. Bucks scoring leader Kenny Uzoigwe (7 goals- 1 assist in six games) followed up his game winner Friday night against the Cincinnati Kings with an encore Sunday in Charleston, West Virginia. The Bucks opened the 2008 season hosting the Chaos at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac and registered a 3-0 win in a very physical match. The rematch was more of the same, as both teams battled for 90 minutes in an encounter that had 26 fouls called and at least another dozen that were not whistled. In the end, the Bucks speed and defense proved to be too much for the home side as they failed to score on the Bucks in the season's two matches. Goalkeeper Steve Clark (Mason/Oakland University) registered his fourth shutout of the season and is yet to allow a goal in the run of play through the first six matches. Although Clark made several key saves, it was his reliable defense led by Captain Mike Holody (Clarkston/University of Michigan) that kept the Chaos offense at bay. Holody and central defensive partner Fabien Lewis (Trinidad) dominated the center of the defense, while Kyle Russell (Coastal Carolina) and Ian Daniel (Troy/Oakland University) controlled the flanks.

While the Bucks defense was stellar in registering the two shutouts this weekend, it was the exciting offense of Kenny Uzoigwe that electrified the crowd. He followed up his 90th minute game winner on Friday in Cincinnati with two more gems on Sunday. In the 27th minute, Uzoigwe took a pass from Bes Bega (Harper Woods) at the twelve yard spot, beat two defenders, cut back to his left foot and smacked home his fourth game winning goal of the season. The second half was more attacking Bucks soccer, as the visitors from Michigan pumped a total of 15 shots at goal on the night. The Chaos continued to play tough and physical and had an opportunity to tie the match after several consecutive corner kicks; all which were stopped by Clark. It was the Bucks continuous counter attack that kept West Virginia on its heels and once again was Uzoigwe who killed off the game with the insurance tally in the 82nd minute. Kenny worked his way through the penalty area from one end to the other before finding a seam to beat the Chaos goalkeeper.

Bucks Coach Dan Fitzgerald was obviously pleased with the weekend's two road victories and is looking forward to some home cooking this week. "Maybe the best news to come out of tonight's match is that we were able to rest several starters this weekend and were able to see some of our younger talent step up. Bes Bega had an outstanding weekend as an attacking midfielder (playing both games for Ty Shipalane) and Mauro Fuzetti showed tonight what he can do (playing for Nate Jafta). While Dave Hertel was back at school taking finals, Fabien Lewis stepped up and was solid in the middle of the defense," said Fitzgerald. We have two home games Wednesday and Saturday to prepare for our Open Cup match on Tuesday (June 10), so it is important to get as many of the guys game minutes as possible."

On Wednesday, the Bucks return to Lake Orion High School to play their only game of the season on the same field where the captured the Central Conference championship last season (7:30 kick off). The West Michigan Edge play the Bucks in the final regular season match between the two clubs. The Bucks took the first match in Grand Rapids, 3-1. Wednesday's match is presented by the Lake Orion Youth Soccer Association and the LOBOS. Tickets for this Wednesday's match will be available at the gate at Lake Orion. Saturday the boys return home to Ultimate Soccer Arenas to close out the season home and home series with the second place Cleveland Internationals (7:30 kick off). After last week's 2-1 defeat of Cleveland, the Bucks have opened up an eight point lead in the Great Lakes Division. Tickets for Saturday's match are available at Ultimate Soccer or online at Ticket Master.

To get the most updated information, scores, stats and Open Cup ticket availability, visit the Bucks web site at buckssoccer.com.

Match Report
Michigan Bucks vs. West Virginia Chaos
Schoenbaum Stadium
Charleston, WV
June 1, 2008

Scoring Summary:
MICH - Kenny Uzoigwe 6 (Besmir Bega 2) - 27th minute
MICH - Kenny Uzoigwe 7 (unassisted) - 82nd minute

Lineups:

Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 4-Kyle Russell, 5-Fabien Lewis, 3-Mike Holody, 22-Ian Daniel, 14-Alex Morisset, 13-Zac Scaffidi, 16-Nik Djokic (18-Doug DeMartin '55), 11-Besmir Bega (17-Piotr Nowak '72), 9-Mauro Fuzetti, 10-Kenny Uzoigwe

West Virginia: 1-Tomm Gott, 17-Chris Bohach, 3-Vick Harrison, 23-Kash Usman, 5-Kyle West, 4-Sterling Flunder, 19-Kolby LaCrone, 10-James Stappleton (18-Avreet Shergill '56), 20-Alex Acree (14-Adam Arthur '70), 2-Jack Thompson (8-Chris Whalley '66), 9-Jack Burridge (11-Jamal Gaethers '58)

Misconduct Summary:
MICH - Nic Djokic (caution) - 48th minute
MICH - Zac Scaffidi (caution) - 84th minute

Statistics:
Shots: Michigan 15, West Virginia 13
Saves: Michigan 6, West Virginia 8
Fouls: Michigan 16, West Virginia 10
Offsides: Michigan 2, West Virginia 1
Corners: Michigan 7, West Virginia 6