Pontiac, MI (January 28, 2009) – The Michigan Bucks of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League released their 2009 Regular Season schedule to the public on Wednesday. Entering their second season at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, the Bucks will open 2009 on May 16, looking to avenge their 3-1 playoff loss to the Kalamazoo Outrage. The match, along with the next three games, double as US Open Cup qualifiers, for which the Bucks have participated in a PDL record 8 times.
In division alignment the Great Lakes and Midwest Divisions from 2008 have been merged to form one 9-team division, with Forest City London joining the league as an expansion franchise. With the merger, there will be a completely balanced schedule, with every team playing one another home and away.
“The schedule could not be more fair this year, everyone’s playing each other equally and that makes things much more competitive,” said Bucks Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald. “I’m also glad to see London join the PDL and give us another close rivalry.”
Schedule highlights:
*The Bucks will return to the Canton Cup at Independence Park for the third consecutive year, hosting the Cincinnati Kings on Saturday, May 23 at 3:00 pm.
*The Bucks will look to avenge their only 2008 Regular Season loss when the Toronto Lynx come to town on Sunday, May 31 at 7:30 pm.
*The Bucks open up their rivalry with Forest City London on Thursday, June 25 at 7:30 pm.
2009 Michigan Bucks Regular Season Schedule
Date
Time
Opponent
Location
May 16
7:30 pm
vs. Kalamazoo
Ultimate Soccer Arenas*
May 20
7:00 pm
at Ft. Wayne
Hefner Stadium*
May 23
3:00 pm
vs. Cincinnati
Independence Park (Canton)*
May 25
7:30 pm
at Indiana
Invaders Soccer Complex*
May 31
7:30 pm
vs. Toronto
Ultimate Soccer Arenas
June 4
7:30 pm
vs. Indiana
Ultimate Soccer Arenas
June 7
5:00 pm
at Kalamazoo
Loy Norrix HS
June 13
7:30 pm
vs. Cleveland
Ultimate Soccer Arenas
June 18
7:30 pm
vs. Ft. Wayne
Ultimate Soccer Arenas
June 20
7:30 pm
at Cincinnati
T&C Sports Complex
June 25
7:30 pm
vs. FC London
Ultimate Soccer Arenas
July 1
7:00 pm
at Chicago
Toyota Park
July 8
7:00 pm
at Cleveland
Pinnacle Sports Complex
July 11
7:00 pm
vs. Chicago
Ultimate Soccer Arenas
July 17
7:30 pm
at FC London
North London Stadium
July 19
4:00 pm
at Toronto
Hershey Centre
* US Open Cup Qualifiers
REGISTER TODAY FOR BUCKS/OU CAMPS
Register today for the 2009 Michigan Bucks/Oakland University soccer camps to be held at Ultimate Soccer Arenas from February 16-20 and April 6-10. Both camps will run every day from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Led by Bucks star striker Kenny Uzoigwe and other Bucks and Oakland University players and coaches, the camps will focus on improving the skill level of players by providing many touches and maximum time with the ball. Open to boys and girls ages 6-18, the cost is $260. Space is limited and spots are filling fast, register online at www.buckssoccer.com.
