Jake Stacy and Doug DeMartin lead their teams towards the annual Michigan-Michigan State clash on October 18 in Ann Arbor
Pontiac, MI (October 14, 2008) -- The dominant senior class that helped lead the Michigan Bucks to one of the most successful three year runs in Premier Development League (PDL) history are having quality college campaigns and are proving they are worthy of an opportunity to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) next season. The graduating class that led the Bucks to the 2008 PDL regular season championship with the best over all record (13-1-2) are continuing their quality play this fall. Jake Stacy, Doug DeMartin, Mike Holody, Steve Clark, Piotr Nowak, Dave Hertel, Zac Scaffidi and Nate Jafta are all having stellar seasons in leading their clubs as the college post season approaches.
Michigan - Since our last update on September 17, the Wolverines have continued their impressive season going 5-1-1 (9-2-2) overall, climbing to #24 in the nation. Leading the charge for the Maize and Blue is Jake Stacy who was named the NSCAA’s National Player of the Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on October 6, scoring a goal each in wins vs. #8 Notre Dame (3-1 on 10/1) and at #20 Indiana (1-0 on 10/4). Additionally Bucks striker Mauro Fuzetti has hit the back of the net 5 times since the last update, recording a hat trick in a 5-1 win at Detroit (9/19) and adding a goal in the 3-1 victory over Notre Dame. Both Stacy and Fuzetti are tied for 4th in the Big Ten for goals with 7 a piece Bucks captain Mike Holody (Clarkston) scored a last second penalty in Michigan’s Big Ten opener, a 1-1 draw at Wisconsin on 9/27. Alex Morisset has paced the Wolverine midfield, recording 2 assists on the season. The Wolverines next face Michigan State on Saturday October, 18 in Ann Arbor (2 PM). The match will be shown LIVE on the Big Ten Network.
Michigan State - Bucks striker Doug DeMartin continues to bag goals for the Green and White. Currently DeMartin leads the Big Ten in goals (11) and points (24). For his efforts the Mason, MI native was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on September 29 after tallying 4 goals and 2 assists in wins at Western Michigan (6-0 on 9/24) and at Penn State (4-3 on 9/28). Midfielder Zac Scaffidi has contributed to the Spartan cause, adding 1 goal and 3 assists since 9/17, while anchoring the Spartan midfield. Defender’s Dave Hertel and Nosa Iyoha have contributed to a solid Spartan back line this season both starting in all 11 matches so far. Michigan State is currently 5-5-0 with a 2-1-0 record in the Big Ten (tied for first with Northwestern. The Spartans host Illinois-Chicago on Wednesday October 15 at 3PM before their in-state showdown with Michigan on Saturday October 18 in Ann Arbor, LIVE at 2PM on the Big Ten Network.
Oakland - Ranked in the Top 25 earlier this season, the Grizzlies have had an up and down season. Since our last update, the side has gone 3-3-0 with 3 one-goal losses. On September 19 the Bucks trio of Ian Daniel, Stefan St. Louis and Piotr Nowak each tallied for Oakland in a 3-0 victory at Western Michigan. The Grizzlies were unlucky in their losses at Michigan (1-0 on 9/24) and at #4 Akron (2-1 on 10/8) Oakland was able to snap their skid with a 2-0 win over Centenary College in Rochester on Friday October 11. Goalkeeper Steve Clark made three saves for his 6th shutout of the season. The Grizzlies are 8-4-0 overall and 2-1 in the Summit Conference. Their next match is at IPFW in Fort Wayne, IN and will play their final home game at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac on November 1 at 7 PM. Discounted pre sale tickets are now on sale ($4 Adults/ $2 Youth) at Ultimate Soccer Arenas or Oakland University. For tickets call (248) 648-7000.
Temple - Goalkeeper Bret Mollon has led the Owls to a 6-3-2 record on the season, recording 5 shutouts along the way. Mollon has made 36 saves in 11 matches and has a 0.81 Goals Against Average. The Owls will head to Washington, DC next to take on George Washington University on Friday October 17.
Lindsey Wilson - Midfielder Nate Jafta has helped the Blue Raiders to a 9-1-0 record and the #2 ranking in the NAIA. Jafta, who has 4 goals and 1 assist this season, recently scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory at Indiana Wesleyan on October 4. The Blue Raiders take on University of the Cumberlands on Monday October 13. Jafta, who started the season hampered by a groin injury has regained his top form and is leading a very young and talented LW squad to the top of the NAIA rankings.
The Michigan Bucks play at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac between May and August each summer and are the minor league affiliate of MLS’s Columbus Crew. The Bucks have had 25 players drafted directly out of college into Major League Soccer since 1999 and expect to have a team record number of players drafted next January. For more information on the Bucks, please visit our web site at buckssoccer.com.
