Michigan Bucks post draw with FC Rage

BY ALEX DROPKIN

CORRESPONDENT

HAMILTON, Ontario — The Michigan Bucks struggled on the road Sunday but came away with a critical point in a 0-0 draw against the Hamilton FC Rage.

The tie keeps the Bucks on top of the Premier Development League’s Great Lakes Division (8-1-2, 26 points) while it also kept Hamilton’s slim playoff hopes alive in the franchise’s opening season (3-5-3, 12  points).

When the Bucks defeated the Rage two weeks ago at home, it was an early goal that got them started that set the tone.  They tried the same strategy on Sunday, but the goal never came. In the game’s third minute, Luke Holmes sent in a nice cross from the corner that first year Bucks forward Peter Jacobsen headed just over the cross bar.  Less than ten minutes later, Kenny Uzoigwe sent over a ball across the box that defender Justin Sass sent high as well.

While the Bucks tried desperately to find their scoring touch, goal keeper Mitch Hildebrandt played another outstanding game in goal making several great saves, including a beauty in stoppage time to deny the home side a late game winner.

The Oakland University keeper registered his eighth shutout this season to lead the PDL.

Bucks head coach Gary Parsons acknowledged Mitch’s stellar play so far this season.

“There has really been only one part of our team that has been consistent game in and game out, and that has been Mitch,” said Parsons.  He has been brilliant in every game this season and has not taken a minute off. We have let him down more than once defensively and he has continued to bail us out.

“I haven’t seen all the teams in the PDL this season, but I can’t imagine another keeper with a better highlight reel of saves than Mitch has this year,” continued Parsons. “If we are going to succeed and make a run in the playoffs, we need everyone to step up and play to the same standard as Mitch has committed to this season.”

The game was very even up and down the pitch as both teams recorded 15 shots and each goalie registered 12 saves. Cornerkicks were also even at seven apiece.

Although the Bucks pressured late trying to get the game’s only score, they could not connect on a couple of second half set pieces, including a late throw in opportunity that Uzoigwe headed just high of the goal.

The Bucks continue their road trip when they travel to South Bend on Wednesday to take on the Indiana Invaders, another tough team trying to secure the third and final playoff spot in the Great Lakes Division.  Following Wednesday night’s match the Bucks return home for a game against the Cincinnati Kings on July 9 at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac. Saturday’s home match is Michigan Bucks Hall of Fame Night, where they will induct the latest three Bucks legends to the prestigious club.

Tickets for the Kings game are $10 Adults (16 and over) and $7 Youth (5 and under free) at the door but all tickets are on sale now for only $5 when buying in advance. Discounted tickets can be purchased at Ultimate Soccer Arenas or on line by visiting the Bucks web site at www.buckssoccer.com and clicking on the TICKETS link.

Tags: Michigan Bucks Soccer, PDL Soccer, United Soccer Leagues

Category: Campus Clips, Colleges / Other, Michigan Bucks