Pontiac, MI (August 7, 2010)-   The Michigan Bucks and Ultimate Soccer Arenas hosted the Ultimate Tailgate Party in the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome on Friday afternoon. Close to 2,000 fans stopped by to enjoy or participate in the continuous soccer clinics and juggling displays that went on from 2-6 PM, preparing soccer fans for the Match of the Titans, AC Milan and Panathinaikos Friday evening. Fans of all ages got to play with and against Bucks players on the makeshift Astroturf field and were treated to the unique soccer technical skills of former Bucks player Dominic Scicluna. Scicluna, one of the leaders of Waza FC, has traveled the world teaching his philosophy and instructing kids on the finer points of soccer.   The Bucks held a free raffle at the end of the session, giving away autographed merchandise to several lucky fans. Bucks Chairman/ CEO Dan Duggan was pleased with the turnout and the support of local sponsors. “The Bucks players were happy to turn out and donate their afternoon to share time with the kids, who we know appreciate their efforts.  The event was hosted by Ultimate Soccer Arenas and supported by our friends at adidas as well. We want to thank Jason Davis (adidas) for donating jerseys and free soccer balls given away Friday to all the young participants in the clinics. Also thanks to the promoters of the event, who donated two AC Milan autographed soccer balls and an autographed AC Milan jersey that are going to the five lucky winners (listed below),” said Duggan.  

The Michigan Bucks concluded their fifteenth season in the United Soccer League’s (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) last weekend after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss Thunder Bay in the Central Conference Championship game.   The Bucks success was recognized by the event organizers, as the Bucks were introduced at halftime before over 30,000 fans who attended the first International soccer match in Michigan since the World Cup graced the Silverdome back in 1994. Duggan hopes the entire day’s festivities leads to similar events in the near future.   “I will be meeting with the Silverdome staff in the next couple of weeks to discuss what we can do to continue to have these types of high level soccer events in the Detroit area.   The game of soccer was the real winner in Pontiac today and the local soccer community enjoyed every minute of it.” To keep up with all the Bucks off season recruiting, the progress of all the Bucks players in college this fall and more soccer events to be held at Ultimate Soccer Arenas this fall and winter, please visit the Bucks web site at www.buckssoccer.com. 

ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY PRIZE WINNERS:

The following lucky fans were drawn as winners of the giveaways compliments of adidas and the organizers of Friday’s Match of the Titans:

AC MILAN AUTOGRAPHED JERSEY:   Jan Hicks     Sterling Hts., MI

AC MILAN AUTOGRAPHED SOCCER BALL: Linda Potestio    Livonia, MI

AC MILAN AUTOGRAPHED SOCCER BALL: Eric Nordby    Jackson, MI

MLS AUTOGRAPHED JERSEY ( SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES)   Dylan Wednieski   Kalkaska, MI

CHELSEA JERSEY:     Nick Radu    Rochester, MI

The Bucks have sent notification to all winners, who can pick up their items at the Bucks office at Ultimate Soccer Arenas or request to have them mailed to their homes. 

Pontiac, MI (August 4, 2010)-   The United Soccer Leagues (USL) unveiled the first of their post season Premier Development League (PDL) honors over the past few days from league offices in Tampa, FL. Michigan Bucks star striker Kenny Uzoigwe was selected to the All PDL XI, representing the top eleven players by position in the 67 team league which extends across the US and Canada.   The  honor was the second time Uzoigwe was selected to the PDL top eleven (first time in 2007). The 32 year old goal scoring leader for the Bucks was joined by defensive captain Stew Givens (Rochester Hills, MI/ Oakland) on the All Central Conference XI. 

With Uzoigwe’s selection to the top eleven, it extends the incredible streak to seven consecutive seasons the Michigan Bucks have had at least one player chosen to the PDL XI dating back to the 2004 season. Uzoigwe’s second selection make him the third two time honoree for the Bucks, joining team mate Nate Jafta (2006, 2007) and Kevin Taylor (2004, 2005). The Central Conference selection was the sixth for Uzoigwe, dating back to his early playing days with the Toledo Slayers in 2003. Also selected to represent the top squad in the PDL this season were former Bucks players Moses Aduny (Mississippi) and Freddie Braun ( Portland), who both had outstanding seasons offensively for their respective clubs.

Givens helped anchor a solid defensive back line that was different nearly every match due to injuries or player availability. Not only did the rock solid defender keep the back in order, but he managed to score four goals himself during the campaign.   Bucks coach Gary Parsons was pleased with the selections and the post season recognition. “Kenny was no surprise. He had an incredible season this year after coming off last year when he was plagued by injuries. Most players at his age would have retired, but he came back and showed what he is all about. I am glad the entire country took notice of his efforts,” said Parsons, referring to the voting process that has all players chosen by the votes of the league’s 67 teams. “I was also very happy to see that our defense was recognized. We had several players that were worthy of Central Conference recognition, but none more than Stew. He is a class act and we couldn’t be happier for him.” Parsons finished his first season at the helm of the Bucks with an overall record of 12-4-2 and Great Lakes Division champs for the eighth time. The Bucks made it to the Elite Eight before bowing out of the playoffs in the Central Conference championship game last Saturday to the Thunder Bay Chill, 2-1 in overtime. Parsons is a strong candidate for PDL coach of the year, to be announced later this week.

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Dan Duggan

(216) 533-0757

dduggan@buckssoccer.com

BUCKS TEAM UP WITH ULTIMATE SOCCER ARENAS, 89X RADIO AT “MATCH OF THE TITANS” SOCCERFEST

Join us for pregame Friday for AC Milan/ Panathinaikos in Silverdome lot

Pontiac, MI (August 3, 2010)-   The Michigan Bucks and Ultimate Soccer Arenas are teaming up with 89X Radio to bring fans the Ultimate Soccerfest Tailgate party in the Silverdome parking lot on Friday leading up to the “Match of the Titans,” world soccer powers AC Milan and Panathinaikos game (8:00 PM kickoff).  The Soccerfest will run from 12-6 PM, with gates open to the Silverdome lot at 10 AM.  Included in the day’s events will be a Soccer Fun Zone, a family friendly area where kids of all ages can test their soccer skills for fun and prizes.  The Michigan Bucks and Ultimate Soccer Arenas players and staff will be on hand to organize and participate in several of the skills events that will be taking place later in the afternoon.   The Bucks will be joined by 89X Radio personalities, who will be broadcasting live from the event between 1 PM and 5 PM. 

AC Milan boast the most world club titles of any international team and have seven rostered players who participated in this summers 2010 World Cup in South Africa.   Some of the more familiar names to soccer fans are Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo of Italy; and US National team center back Oguchi Onyewu.  Perhaps the most recognizable name of all is two time FIFA player of the year Ronaldinho from Brazil.  The Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos may not be as well known to the average fan, but the team based in Athens has quietly won the Greek Superleague 20 times to go along with their impressive 17 Greek Cups.  Containing most of the stars of the Greek national team, Panathinaikos also have other top European players including Djibril Cisse of France and Gilberto Silva of Brazil.

Bucks Chairman/ CEO Dan Duggan expands on the importance of Friday’s return of international soccer to the Detroit area.  “I would hope that soccer fans of all ages make a point to attend this huge match to see some of the world’s finest players up close and personal.  Watching the World Cup on TV is a great learning experience for young soccer players, but it doesn’t even compare to watching their incredible skill live.  We are fortunate to have one of the greatest players in the world in Ronaldinho coming to Detroit.  Success of this event only means that we will have the opportunity to see more of the top clubs in the world right here in Michigan”

In addition to recreational activities in the Soccer Fun Zone, the Bucks will be organizing games of skill and shooting drills.  The highlight of the afternoon will happen at the top of each hour from 2 PM to 5 PM when Bucks players will show off their talent and juggling skills.   Leading the exhibition will be former Bucks star Dominic Scicluna, who has traveled the world displaying his extraordinary “Waza Freestyle” soccer skills.

Tickets for the Match of the Titans are available online at www.silverdometickets.com and will be available the day of the game.  Prices range from $30 to $150 depending on seat location.  The event organizers encourage all fans to come early to enjoy the Soccer Zone, which is free to the public.  For more information on the largest indoor soccer facility in North America, please visit www.ultimatesoccerarenas.com.  To find out more about the Michigan Bucks, please visit www.buckssoccer.com.