Michigan Bucks down West Michigan, 3-0

Story courtesy Bucks Public Relations

Lake Orion, MI (June 4,2008) - The Michigan Bucks continued their dominance in the Premier Development League's (PDL) Central Conference by running their 2008 season record to 7-0 with a 3-0 win over the West Michigan Edge. The Bucks completed the regular season sweep of the Edge with their fifth shutout of the season and moved themselves to the head of the pack of all 67 United Soccer League (USL) teams as the only undefeated side through seven games. Goalkeeper Steve Clark (Mason/Oakland University) again proved himself as one of the league's premier keepers, as he has continued to stifle opponents for the entire 90 minute match.

Bucks coach Dan Fitzgerald went with another group of young Bucks players to tackle the Edge last night. It took until the 31st minute when Alex Morisset (Utica/University of Michigan) took a pass from Zac Scaffidi (Michigan State) and let loose a bomb from 35 yards that caught the side netting to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead. The offensive minded home side continued to press for the second goal and pushed forward continuously until the 45th minute when the referee whistled the Edge for a foul 35 yards outside the box. Defensive midfielder Piotr Nowak (Sterling Heights/Oakland) took the ensuing free kick which was defected, but beat Edge keeper Jeremy Clark putting the Bucks up 2-0 going into halftime.

The second half wasn't much different, as the Bucks continued to press trying to put the game away. Substitute Bes Bega (Harper Woods) put the game on ice in the 67th minute after receiving a cutting through ball from Doug DeMartin (Mason/Michigan State) which left the Edge keeper stranded. While resting starters Nate Jafta, Ty Shipalane and Kenny Uzoigwe for Tuesday's US Open Cup match, Fitzgerald's adequate replacements showed that they deserve to play at the PDL's highest level. "We won this game with players that no one in Major League Soccer has heard of," said Fitz. "But I can promise you, they will. Some of the play that came through from guys that come off our bench was something to behold. There is no question that we have things to improve on, but our depth is incredible. I love the heart I have seen from this team the past three games - that is something that will be important if we are to do something special in the Open Cup.

The Bucks return home Saturday to finish the season series with Great Lakes Division rival the Cleveland Internationals. Kickoff is 7:30 PM at Ultimate Soccer Arenas. The Bucks were able to outlast the Internationals 2-1 on Memorial Day which clinched the side's qualification for another US Open Cup. As a special offer to our fans, those who buy a ticket to the match on Saturday will receive the same ticket for FREE to be used in the US Open Cup clash on Tuesday June 10th against the Cleveland City Stars also at Ultimate Soccer Arenas. Ticket prices are VIP - $14, Adult Reserved $10, Youth Reserved (15 and under) $5, which children 5 and under always gaining FREE admission to Bucks games.

Match Report
West Michigan Edge vs. Michigan Bucks
Lake Orion High School
Lake Orion, MI
June 4, 2008

Scoring Summary:
MICH - Alex Morisset 1 (Zac Scaffidi 1) '31
MICH - Piotr Nowak 2 (free kick) '45+
MICH - Bes Bega 2 (Doug DeMartin 2) '67

Lineups:

West Michigan: 0-Jeremy Clark, 3-Ryan Emerson, 30-Pete Hill, 34-Doug Ferner (23-Anes Sujonhic '67), 18-Chris Allen, 23-Mark Barone, 24-Tony Deakin, 35-Josh Rogers, 10-Adam Mena, 37-Ben Pirmann, 32-Louis Stephens

Michigan: 25-Steve Clark, 15-Dave Hertel (7-Ty Shipalane '81), 3-Mike Holody (22-Ian Daniel '75), 5-Fabien Lewis, 4-Kyle Russell, 17-Piotr Nowak, 14-Alex Morisset, 13-Zac Scaffidi, 16-Nik Djokic (11-Bes Bega '64), 9-Mauro Fuzetti, 18-Doug DeMartin (8-Nate Jafta '77)

Misconduct Summary:
WMICH - Ben Pirmann (caution) '22
WMICH - Tony Deaken (caution) '45
MICH - Piotr Nowak (caution) '83

Statistics:
Shots: West Michigan 4, Michigan 15
Saves: West Michigan 5, Michigan 2
Fouls: West Michigan 14, Michigan 11
Offsides: West Michigan 2, Michigan 1
Corners: West Michigan 1, Michigan 2

Officials: Chad Uhlinger, Joe Agosta, Connor Williams