Michigan Bucks

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Detroit City ousts Michigan Bucks in PKs for second year in a row

May 10, 2018 by Fletcher Sharpe

Detroit City FC fans celebrate a PK shootout win over the Michigan Bucks in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC

Roddy Green stepped up to the spot, and slammed a ball to his left. Michigan Bucks’ goalkeeper Jimmy Hague guessed correctly and dove to his right to get one hand on the ball. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t get two, and the ball slammed into the back of the net, giving Detroit City FC a penalty kcik shootout win and a trip into the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

It was second year in a row that the two rivals had to decide a US Open Cup game from the penalty spot and for the second year in a row, Le Rouge are headed to the Second Round to take on a professional team from the United Soccer League next week. Detroit managed to advance despite playing the majority of the 30 minutes of extra time shorthanded.

“I’m proud of this group,” said Detroit City head coach Ben Pirmann. “I thought we had it won earlier, and then some things happened that were out of our control.” Pirmann would soon elaborate. “That’s our main issue going forward, making sure to keep our emotions in check and focus on what we can control.”

The first shot on target of the chippy game came in the 45th minute, as former Lansing United player Rafa Mentzingen strode into the attacking third, before poking a ball towards the Bucks’ net. The Bucks goalkeeper, the reigning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year from Michigan State, calmly scooped it up. Mentzingen tried again, this time with a volley, and it gave Hague a little more trouble, but still resulted in a save.

Detroit City FC goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher makes a save in the PK shootout with the Michigan Bucks. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC

The game got a little dicey in the 56th as Jared Timmer (formerly of Grand Rapids FC) got physical with Detroit’s Shawn Claud Lawson during run of play. Timmer, already on a yellow card, wrapped his hands around Lawson, and Lawson responded with a shove. The play was blown dead as a foul for Detroit much to the chagrin of the Bucks players.

“You expect some physicality.” Bucks head manager Paul Thomas said. “These guys played together in college, or against each other, or even just growing up with each other…eventually feistiness with show.”

That feistiness would pay off for Detroit as in the following minute a ball was crossed into the Bucks’ box. Mentzingen rose up to head the ball towards the Bucks’ net, and was dismayed as it clanged off the cross bar. That dismay quickly turned to joy as Lawson corralled the shot and fired it in, upper 90 to give Detroit a 1-0 lead. It was their first goal they scored against The Bucks in regulation.

It seemed like smooth sailing for Le Rouge until the 84th minute when Brad Ruhaak was fouled in the box. Subtitle Alfonso Pineirnho stepped up and sent Detroit’s Nate Steinwascher the wrong way, in front of the crowd of 3000+ to level it 1-1.

There was no change in score, so extra time was needed, and in extra time, things got worse for Detroit as sub Greg Janicki, who came on for Lawson, was shown a straight red for a challenge on Mitch Guitar of the Bucks.

Roddy Green of Detroit City FC celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in the PK shootout with the Michigan Bucks in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC

In the second half of overtime, Roddy Green would come on for Mentzingen, and show flashes of fresh legs when he could get on the ball.

With no goals scored in extra time, the game moved to penalty kicks. Bucks had their first PK saved, as did City. However, Bucks scored on their second when Franc Buhovac slotted the ball past Steinwascher. New recruit Brandon Bartel’s spot kick was saved, and it looked like Bucks would see this game out, especially after Giuseppe Barone converted his for Michigan. But Brad Centala scored for DCFC, and Brad Dunwell of the Bucks missed wide left. This left the door open for Omar Sinclair to power a shot to the right. Hague got a hand on it but could not push it out. Elliot Bentley (former of Midland-Odessa FC) stepped up and tied the score at 4-4. This left the door open for Steinwascher to come up with one more huge save before Green scored the winning kick.

With the win, Detroit moves on to play FC Cincinnati at Gettler Field on University of Cincinnati’s campus. Before that though, Le Rouge will travel to Skyline High School to take on AFC Ann Arbor, who crashed out in the first round of the US Open Cup by way of the Ocean City Noreasters.

“The biggest thing for us is health.” Pitman affirmed. “We need to make sure we are ready to go for Sunday, as well as next week. So we’re going to have to make some lineup movements to make that work.”

MADNESS!!! @DetroitCityFC wins it in PKs and the crowd. goes. WILD. pic.twitter.com/K5MncGjfb3

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) May 10, 2018

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Saint Louis FC capitalize on Michigan Bucks mistakes, hold on for 2-1 win

May 30, 2017 by Josh Hakala

Saint Louis FC scored a pair of early goals and held off a charge from the giant-killing Michigan Bucks to earn a 2-1 road victory in the Third Round of the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With the win, Saint Louis earns a home game against four-time US Open Cup champion Chicago Fire (MLS) in Round 4.

Both goals came off the foot of Sebastian Dalgaard on defensive miscues in the 13th and 16th minute. Coming out of the halftime break, it took 27 seconds for the Bucks to pull one back with a spectacular volley by University of Michigan star Francis Atuahene. The Saint Louis defense held strong to earn the club’s second straight road win to put themselves on the same field as an MLS team for the second time in three years.

In the opening 10 minutes, the Bucks, who upset their Modern Era record 10th pro teams last round against Indy Eleven (NPSL), did not look like an amateur team against their professional opposition. They held their own and created a few shots toward goal but neither threatened goalkeeper Devala Gorrick.

The Bucks have been known for their defense after back-to-back 1-0 shutouts in the opening two rounds, but it was two mistakes at the backline that led to a pair of Saint Louis goals.

In the 13th minute, Saint Louis collected the ball at midfield and with two quick passes the ball was in the back of the net. Mats Bjurman received the ball, turned and played a crisp pass into the path of Sebastian Dalgaard who entered the right side of the penalty area with plenty of space to shoot. He cut back inside to free himself up and fired a shot past Bucks goalkeeper Drew Shepherd.

Here is @SebastianDalga1‘s 1st goal of the night for @SaintLouisFC against @MichiganBucks. Dalgaard already has 2 goals tonight! #USOC2017 pic.twitter.com/C4huNIC5Og

— USL (@USL) May 31, 2017

Three minutes later, a Bucks defender attempted to head the ball from the top of the ‘D’ back to Shepherd who had come off his line. Unfortunately for the home team, the header didn’t have enough force on it and Dalgaard broke in and beat the defender and Shepherd to the ball and put the ball into the empty net. Saint Louis took control of the game as they peppered Shepherd’s goal with shots. Defender Ryan Howe’s attempt from distance in the 20th minute forced a diving save from Shepherd. Six minutes later, Denis Ahmetovic stole the ball from a Bucks defender and forced another tough save. But the defending PDL champions weren’t finished. In the 28th minute, Midfielder Tom Owens ripped a 25-yard shot that nearly beat the keeper but Gorrick made an acrobatic save to his right to preserve the clean sheet. Both teams created chances in the final 15 minutes of the half but the best chance came from Saint Louis in the 44th minute. A long ball was played up to Jose Angulo which drew attention from the Bucks backline. Shepherd came off his line to try to punch it away, but he failed as the bodies came together in the air. Angulo managed to recover the ball and find enough space to target the empty net, but in his best save of the night, Shepherd pulled off a kick save at the top of the box to keep the score at 2-0 heading into the break. At halftime, the Bucks honored their long-time trainer Tom Ford who was recently diagnosed with ALS (Donate to his GoFundMe page here). After the ceremony, the second half began with an early candidate for Goal of the Tournament. Shepherd punted the ball forward and after the ball took an artificial turf-aided bounce, it fell to Atuahene who turned and volleyed the ball out of the air past Gorrick to cut the lead in half 27 seconds into the second half. It was the second goal of the tournament for Atuahene, who scored the lone goal in the Bucks’ 1-0 win over Indy Eleven in Round 2.

Check out this crazy #USOC2017 goal from @AtuaheneFrancis as @USLPDL side Michigan goes for #Cupset https://t.co/3A76cLUwjL — NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 31, 2017

The assist by Shepherd was just the 10th goalkeeper assist of the Modern Era (1995-present), and the second by a Bucks netminder. The last to do it was the first to do it. In the Second Round of the 2001 US Open Cup, current Oakland University men’s soccer head coach Eric Pogue, who coincidentally was in attendance to honor Tom Ford, assisted on Paul Snape’s goal in a 7-1 loss to the New England Revolution.

Two minutes later, Saint Louis responded by playing a dangerous ball into the box, but the Bucks defense cleared the ball off the line.

In the 67th minute, the Bucks poured on the pressure looking for an equalizer. A free kick was sent into the penalty area on the right side to defender Daniel Mukuna who pushed up into the attack. Mukuna found space to fire a shot that was punched away by Gorrick.

A minute later, a searching through ball was sent down the right wing and Atuahene surprised the Saint Louis goalkeeper by using his blazing speed to beat him to the ball. With Gorrick off his line, he held his ground and cut off the angle as much as he could and made the save. On the ensuing corner kick, Atuahene got his head to the cross but it harmlessly fell into the goalkeeper’s chest.

Michigan continued to press to the very end. The best chance in the final minutes was in the 88th minute when a free kick was taken near midfield. Second half sub Austin Ricci left his feet to attempt a diving header at the far post and it was just out of reach.

2017 US Open Cup Round 2: Michigan Bucks add NASL’s Indy Eleven to giant-killing resume

May 21, 2017 by Fletcher Sharpe

The main entrance of the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich., the home of the PDL’s Michigan Bucks.

The Michigan Bucks skated by the NASL’s Indy Eleven, 1-0, in Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup clash behind some stellar defense and a strike from University of Michigan star Francis Atuahene.

With the win, the Bucks earn the club’s 10th upset of a professional opponent, the most of any amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present).

The second-round game started slowly, but it was broken open in the 11th when Atuahene seemed to have a clear path to the net after a gorgeous long ball. However, he ran into a stumbling Anthony Manning, and the ball bounced to Indy keeper Keith Cardona.

Former Michigan player David Goldsmith almost put his new team ahead in the 16th with a right-footed shot from the right wing, but it rattled off the post. The rebound was saved by Bucks keeper Drew Shepherd.

In the 22nd minute, Michigan’s Andre Landell flicked a cross into the box, but Indy’s Cardona got a hand on the ball to keep Grant Stoneman from heading it into the net

The Eleven almost took the lead behind a gorgeous curling ball from wing midfielder Justin Plumhoff, but his shot banged off the crossbar and back into play.

Michigan launched a counterattack, which ended with right back Jordan Snell feeding a gorgeous through ball to Atuahene, who calmly slotted a ball past Cardona to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead.

“The goal by Francis helped a lot.” Michigan coach Demir Muftari said with a smile. “It allowed us to keep with the flow of the game, and kind of press a little more.”

Indy Eleven pressed the rest of match with long shots. Current NASL leading scorer Justin Braun had a nice turn in the box, but his shot was turned away.

The Bucks were able to hold onto their slim lead, before celebrating before a crowd of at least 400 fans.

With the win, the Bucks improve to 15-11-2 (0-2 PKs) all-time in US Open Cup play, by far the most wins of any amateur team in the Modern Era. In fact, by defeating Indy Eleven, they improve their record against Division 2 pro teams to 4-1-0. They haven’t lost to a Division 2 team since a 3-2 extra time loss to the Rochester Raging Rhinos in 1997.

Another milestone that was set was the Bucks earning a fourth clean sheet against a pro team. Only one amateur team in the country have more shutouts against pro teams (Ocean City Nor’easters of the PDL have six).

The win sends the Bucks to Round 3 where they will host Saint Louis FC of the USL on May 31.

2017 US Open Cup Round 1: Michigan Bucks earn hard-fought 1-0 win over AFC Ann Arbor

May 14, 2017 by Fletcher Sharpe

The Michigan Bucks, a pillar of consistency in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, triumphed over the upstart AFC Ann Arbor 1-0 in a very tightly contested match, that had all the fans fully invested.

“That was a tough game,” said Bucks head coach Gary Parsons. “AFC, they’re a top club in the NPSL, so we had to come to play tonight.”

With the win, the Bucks win its 14th tournament win, which adds to the club’s Modern Era (1995-present) record for an amateur team. They will move on to host the NASL’s Indy Eleven in Round 2.

Play started in the fourth minute with AFC’s Tendai Jirira making a dangerous throw down the left line to Alec Lasinski, but Bucks center back Mo Kaba screened Lasinski off the ball.

The game turned in the 13th minute, when the Mighty Oak failed to clear a ball from the back, and it fell to the midfield. It was poked forward to Andre Landell, who rounded the keeper, and slipped the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the Bucks.

NPSL Midwestern Golden Boot winner Dario Suarez was fouled from outside the box in the 21st minute, and his ensuing free kick swerved just over the left crossbar.

From that point forward for the rest of the half, it was the Bucks setting up shop in Ann Arbor’s half, and preventing them from playing their high flying style people were accustomed to seeing.

“We started out with a more defensive approach,” said AFC Ann Arbor head coach Eric Rudland. “The second half we ended up inserting Yuri (Farkas) into the match to try and liven things up.”

Farkas’ substitution into the match did change things for Ann Arbor, as they became a lot more aggressive, getting the ball down the side, and working it through the seems.

The Bucks got lucky with a very hard foul on Suarez committed by Daniel de Oliviera in the 63rd minute. The Brazilian midfielder attempted to challenge the ball, and as the former Cuban international pulled away from him, de Oliviera threw his body into Suarez. The referee deliberated for a minute, but decided that a yellow was punishment enough.

Six minutes later, the Mighty Oak almost grabbed a goal back. As mentioned, Farkas’ inclusion to this match allowed for other players to press more. On one particular play, Suarez made a direct run down the left seam, and received the ball. He cut into the box, with a one on one situation with Bucks goalie Drew Shepherd but his finesse chip shot sailed just over the bar.

The Bucks tried to add another goal via Francis Atuahene. The Ghanaian forward unleashed a barrage from about 30 yards out. It beat the keeper but came off the crossbar.

Shouts for a penalty rang out in the 90th, as Nick Walker aggressively shouldered down Lasinski in the Bucks penalty area, but the head official waived play to continue.

With the win, the Bucks move to 14-11 (0-2 PKs) in US Open Cup play. Michigan’s next Open Cup game is at home against Indy Eleven. But Coach Parsons isn’t thinking about that.

“We have a game between now and next Wednesday against a very good team (K-W United), so we’re focused on that first. But Indy is a very good team, so we’re going to have to change how we played today. Maybe a little more conservative.”

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Evan Louro carries Detroit City into Round 2, earns TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 18, 2016 by Brooks Laimbeer

Evan Louro of Detroit City FC saves a Michigan Bucks penalty kick in the First Round of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC

Detroit City FC goalkeeper, Evan Louro, was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round. This was due, not only to his clean sheet over 120 minutes against the Michigan Bucks (PDL), but also for the two saves he made in the penalty kick shootout that helped DCFC advance to the Second Round for the first time in club history.

One of the biggest of Louro’s 13 saves came in the 96th minute. Louro would come up huge when Bucks midfielder, Adam Najem, would try to chip him from 18 yards out. Louro tracked back and dove to push Najem’s shot over the crossbar to keep the game tied at 0-0.

“Honestly I was thinking please save it because I don’t want to get a text from Adam on the drive home talking trash,” said Louro, who was a teammate of Najem with the Red Bulls academy.

City defender, Bret Nason, would close out the game in penalties, winning 4-3, but before he could do that, Louro would come up with a diving save on Bucks midfielder, Brad Dunwell, to keep the penalties at 3-3.

“Evan was huge for that victory,” City head coach Ben Pirmann said. “He was man of the match during the run of play as well as in the shootout. His presence on the field was second to none.”

Detroit City FC goalkeeper Evan Louro gets ready for a PK attempt from the Michigan Bucks during the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Jon DeBoer | DCFC

Advancing was extra sweet for Detroit City as they avenge last year’s 3-0 drubbing by the Bucks in the opening round of the Open Cup.

DCFC will head to Louisville to take on Louisville City, but they will be without Louro, the homegrown product of the New York Red Bulls, as he heads back to New Jersey, his home state, to train with the club for the rest of the summer.

“It’s difficult (leaving) because I feel like I grew a solid relationship with the club in a very short amount of time,” Louro said. “I have been at the New York Red Bulls since I was 13 so being familiar and comfortable there makes it easier.”

This was not Louro’s first US Open Cup experience. He started two games for the Red Bulls U-23s in 2014, back when they were a member of the NPSL. He made five saves to help the Red Bulls defeat the PDL’s Vermont Voltage 2-1 before falling to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL, 3-1.

The former University of Michigan netminder is the first Detroit City player to take home the award as he beat out Ash Apollon (Seattle Sounders U-23s), Charlie Sales (West Chester United) and Jamie Siaj (Charlotte Eagles) for the honor. He also becomes just the second goalkeeper from the NPSL team to win the award, joining Gregory Hartley from Chattanooga FC from last year’s opening round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters.

Penalty kick shootout: Detroit City vs. Michigan Bucks

Things you should know about the Second Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

May 17, 2016 by Josh Hakala

FC Cincinnati fans cheer on their team during a Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against Detroit City FC. Photo: Brett Hansbauer | 4th Floor Creative

In 2002, no team below the Second Division advanced beyond the Second Round.

The Modern Era (1995-present) record for single-game attendance is held by FC Cincinnati when they had an announced attendance of 12,790 at Nippert Stadium (University of Cincinnati) when they defeated AFC Cleveland (NPSL) 1-0 in extra time on May 17, 2017. The record for average attendance in the Second Round is 3,019 (16 games) from the 2001 tournament.

The El Paso Patriots recorded the biggest rout in the Second Round since 1995, defeating the Arizona Sahuaros 9-1 in 1998. Kirk Wilson scored three times to lead the Patriots. Matching the eight-goal margin, the most lopsided shutout came in 2001 when DC United of MLS trampled the New Jersey Stallions of the D3 Pro League 8-0.

Kiley Couch of Dallas Roma FC (left) challenges for the ball against Romario of Miami FC during their Second Round match during the 2006 US Open Cup. Photo: Dallas Roma FC

From 1996-2013, only three Open Division Local clubs won Second Round games. Bavarian SC defeated the Reading Rage (D-3 Pro League) 1-0 in the Second Round of 2003. Dallas Roma FC became the first USASA team to defeat a second division team when they eliminated Miami FC (USL First Division) 1-0 in 2006. Cal FC traveled across the country and upset the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro (Div. 3 pro) 4-0 to reach Round 3 in 2013. However, in 2014, that mark was blown out of the water, as a record five Open Division Local teams reached the Third Round: New York Greek American Atlas (Region I), RWB Adria (Region II), North Texas Rayados (Region III), Des Moines Menace (Region II), and PSA Elite (Region IV) who advanced after the San Diego Flash forfeited. The reason for this increase was due, in large part, to the change in format which saw an increase to 80 teams, and an abbreviated opening round (8 games). Of this group, only RWB Adria and PSA Elite began in the First Round, so the rest of the teams only had to win one game.

Open Division teams winning Second Round games doesn’t happen often, but it’s not unheard of during the Modern Era. 41 USL League Two (formerly PDL) teams have made it to the Third Round in the Modern Era. The Flint City Bucks (formerly Michigan Bucks) have done it more than anyone else, advancing to Round 3 six times. 19 Open Division Local teams have reached the Third Round. The NPSL has had nine teams win Second Round games, with four of them all coming in 2018: Brooklyn Italians (2014), Chattanooga FC (2014, 2015, 2016), Elm City Express (2018), Miami United (2018), FC Wichita (2018), Jacksonville Armada (2018), Orange County FC (2019).

The US Soccer Federation increased the number of teams to 80 in 2014, creating the largest Second Round in the Modern Era (and quite possibly of all time) with 24 games on the schedule. One of the games was forfeited, and one was moved to May 13, leaving a record 22 games to be played on May 14. That record was broken as the tournament continued to expand in 2017 when there were 26 games played, and then again in 2022 when 31 games were on the schedule.

In 2013, a record four Open Division clubs advanced to Round 3. The following year, due to a change in format and an increase in amateur entries, 12 amateur clubs reached the Third Round, which remains a Modern Era record.

1997: Central Coast Roadrunners
1999: Mid-Michigan Bucks
2000: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Chicago Sockers
2001: Seattle Sounders Select
2003: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Fresno Fuego
2004: Chicago Fire Reserves, Cape Cod Crusaders, Boulder Rapids Reserves, Carolina Dynamo
2005: Ocean City Barons, Des Moines Menace
2006: Michigan Bucks, Des Moines Menace, Carolina Dynamo
2009: Ocean City Barons
2011: Chicago Fire PDL, Kitsap Pumas
2012: Michigan Bucks, Ventura County Fusion,
2013: Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, Ocean City Nor’easters, Reading United AC
2014: Reading United AC, New York Greek American Atlas SC, RWB Adria, Orlando City U23s, Brooklyn Italians, Laredo Heat, North Texas Rayados, Fresno Fuego, PSA Elite, Baltimore Bohemians, Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace
2015: Chattanooga FC, Chula Vista FC, Jersey Express, PSA Elite, Ventura County Fusion
2016: Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace, Jersey Express, Kitsap Pumas, La Maquina, Lansdowne Bhoys FC, Los Angeles Wolves FC
2017: Chicago FC United, Christos FC, GPS Omens, Los Angeles Wolves FC, Michigan Bucks, Reading United AC
2018: Elm City Express, FC Golden State Force, FC Wichita, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami United, Mississippi Brilla FC, NTX Rayados, Ocean City Nor’easters, Sporting AZ FC
2019: Florida Soccer Soldiers, Orange County FC

Updated after 2019 US Open Cup

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Detroit City FC gets revenge, eliminates Michigan Bucks in PK shootout

May 14, 2016 by Brooks Laimbeer

For the first time in the clubs history, Detroit City FC has advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup after defeating the Michigan Bucks in 4-3 in penalty kicks after 120 minutes of scoreless soccer.

“I think we have been legitimized by what we do off the field in the stands and in our community,” DCFC head coach Ben Pirmann said. “We have fallen up short in the Open Cup and we were naive last year and to take it to them this year and get the win is what we needed.”

The Bucks would have the first scoring chance of the match in the fifth minute off a free kick from 25 yards out that would ring off the crossbar and out for a goal kick.

The set piece pressure would continue for the Bucks as center back, Lalas Abubukar, would rise above his defender off a corner in the eighth minute and head a ball to the towards the bottom left corner where City goalkeeper, Evan Louro, would make a diving save to keep the game scoreless.

Detroit would have a scoring chance off a set piece in the 12th minute as a ball from 30 yards out would be whipped in to the back post where midfielder, Dave Edwardson, would miss-hit the ball and Bucks goalkeeper, Drew Shepherd, would come off his line to smother the loose ball in the box.

In the 37th minute, Shepherd, would come up big for the Bucks as DCFC would create a turnover and force him off his line where he would make a foot save at the top of the 18 yard box to keep the game scoreless.

The match would head in to a midfield battle as the next best scoring opportunity would come in the 76th minute when City midfielder, Danny Deakin, would hit a shot at the top of the 18 that would just go wide of the far post.

In the latter part of the 80th minute the Bucks would have three corners in a row, but nothing would come of it as Detroit’s defense would pack it into the box and withstand the pressure.

“The Bucks kept the ball quite a bit and made us chase around at times so we got a little tired,” Pirmann said. “We had three chances there where we really stepped on them. Once those didn’t go in and we had a couple of guys go down with injuries I made sure we said defense first.”

The match would need an extra 30 minutes of overtime and the Bucks would keep the Detroit defense on their toes.

Bucks midfielder, Adam Najem, would have a good look in the 96th minute as he would try to chip Louro from 18 yards out, but Louro would track back and dive to push the ball over the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.

“Evan is a big boy and has a great presence,” Pirmann said. “The chip that Najem had, I thought game over. He tipped it wide and Evan is a big time goalie.”

The Bucks would maintain the pressure but City would pack it in to make it difficult for a clear shot on goal and after 120 minutes of overtime, the game would move to penalty kicks.

Bucks would go first in penalties and defender, Tom Owens, would strike his shot way over the crossbar.

Detroit would answer as defender, Seb Harris, would hit as a shot right down the middle that Shepherd would get a hand on, but the ball would bounce off the cross bar and in.

Forward, Russell Cicerone, would have his shot saved by Louro and then City forward, Jeff Adkins, would convert his to give Detroit a 2-0 lead.

The Bucks wouldn’t quit though as Najem would convert his to make it 2-1 and then City forward, Tyler Moorman, would make his to put it as 3-1.

With the game on the line Bucks forward, Andre Landell, would convert his penalty and then Shepherd would come up with a huge diving save to his left to keep the penalties at 3-2.

Midfielder, Jordan Snell, would convert his and Deakin would hit his penalty over the goal to tie it up at 3-3.

Midfielder, Brad Dunwell, would have a chance to give his team the lead, but Louro would come up with a huge diving save to his left to keep it tied.

Defender, Bret Nason, would close it out for City as he would slot his penalty into the left side of the goal to give Detroit the 4-3 win in penalties.

“I kind of just went up there and knew the spot that I was going to kick it in and it was honestly just lucky,” Nason said.

Detroit will travel to Louisville on Wednesday May 18th to play Louisville City in the Second Round of the US Open Cup.

2016 US Open Cup: Motor City rematch headlines most intriguing First Round games

April 12, 2016 by Adam Uthe

The Michigan Bucks cruised to a 3-0 win over Detroit City FC in their first meeting in 2015. Photo: Michigan Bucks

It’s (almost) back!

The United States Soccer Federation announced the first and second round matchups for the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Round 1 will kick off on Wednesday, May 11 and features 18 Premier Development League (PDL) teams, 14 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) sides, and 14 Open Division qualifiers representing the best teams competing in regional leagues throughout the country.

There will be a total of 23 first round games, but here are the five most intriguing matchups (in no particular order):

Detroit City FC (NPSL) at Michigan Bucks (PDL)
Oakland University Soccer Field; Rochester, MI
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

While this list is not in any particular order, most neutral fans would agree that the rematch between two Metro Detroit rivals is the headliner of Round 1.

Detroit City FC has been one of the NPSL’s biggest success stories off the field as their fan base’s growth and revered supporters culture continues to grab national headlines across the soccer world. Founded back in 2012, the club and its rabid fan base have developed a following that many lower division pro teams would love to have. They averaged 3,528 fans per game last year, which is more than FC Edmonton of the NASL drew in 2015. If Detroit City competed in the 24-team USL, their attendance would rank 10th (granted, with fewer home games).

Just a small sample of Detroit City FC's fans. — Just a small sample of Detroit City FC’s fans.

The fans recently put their money where their collective mouth is as the team announced plans to move to and renovate 80-year-old Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck. Keyworth is so old that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt attended the stadium’s opening. The team is working with the local community to fix up the historic stadium and recently wrapped up a record-breaking fundraising campaign that saw the club pull in a jaw-dropping $741,250. With support like that, many have speculated that’s it’s only a matter of time before the club outgrows its current amateur status.

Saying their opponent has a strong resume in this competition is a bit of an understatement. The Michigan Bucks hold a number of Modern Era (1995-present) records but two of them have helped the club make a name for themselves nationally. No amateur team has more pro team upsets than the Bucks’ nine and only two clubs have more than three (Des Moines Menace with six, Ocean City Nor’easters with five). In fact, if you exclude the Carolina RailHawks, the Bucks have more wins over pro teams than all of the active NASL teams combined (8).

But their biggest accomplishment is that they are the only amateur team to eliminate two Major League Soccer teams. They stunned the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium in 2000, 1-0 on a 90th minute winner by Chad Schomaker. They followed that up in 2012 when they hosted the Chicago Fire at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas (their indoor home) and beat the four-time Open Cup champions 3-2 in extra time.

Despite their on-field success, the Bucks’ fan support is only a fraction of what City draws. The Bucks play their home games in Pontiac, Mich. which is almost the exact same distance from downtown Detroit as FC Dallas’ Toyota Stadium is from downtown Dallas. There is a rivalry between the two teams that have developed off the field as Detroit City’s fans mock the Bucks’ lack of fan support. On the other side, Bucks fans point to their on-field resume with two PDL titles (2006, 2014), the most wins in league history and their Open Cup success. While they have been very good in their first four seasons (32-7-11 in regular season play), DCFC has yet to advance beyond the conference final in the NPSL playoffs.

The two teams finally met on the field for the first time last year in the First Round of the US Open Cup. At the Bucks’ indoor home in Pontiac, the City fans vastly outnumbered the Bucks fans in the stands, but it was the Bucks who outnumbered City on the scoreboard. Michigan got three first half goals by David Goldsmith, Peri Marosevic, and Brad Ruhaak and they won 3-0. Thanks to the way the draw worked out, there will be a rematch this year. Only this time, the game will be played outdoors at the Oakland University Soccer Field in Rochester, Mich.

Boca Raton FC (USASA) at Miami Fusion FC (NPSL)
North Miami Athletic Stadium; North Miami Beach, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

South Florida is the place to be if you’re a fan of the beautiful game at any level. David Beckham is leading the charge for the future, yet-to-be named MLS team while Miami FC, led by head coach and AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta, kicked off its inaugural North American Soccer League (NASL) season last week against fellow South Beach rivals Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Now it’s Miami Fusion FC’s turn to get in on the action. The Fusion will be looking to make a deep run in their first US Open Cup appearance after a successful inaugural NPSL season in 2015 when they took the Sunshine Conference title with seven wins, one loss, and one draw. The club, who are led by former New York Cosmos player Ferdinando De Matthaeis, are not related to the now-defunct MLS team by the same name that finished runner-up in the 2000 US Open Cup.

Their opponent, Boca Raton FC, are coming off a pretty impressive debut season themselves. They cruised to first place in the 2015 American Premier Soccer League (APSL) Fall Tournament with five wins in their seven matches and tournament-best plus-11 goal differential. The APSL is a newly-formed South Florida-based amateur league that are part of a new trend of regional amateur soccer leagues across the country. This will be the third straight Miami-based club that they will have to face, as they narrowly defeated fellow APSL clubs Real Miami CF and Uruguay Kendall (in penalty kicks) to qualify for the Open Cup.

The winner will head north to take on the USL’s Wilmington Hammerheads, who have been knocked out of the tournament by an amateur team in three of the last four seasons.

New York Red Bulls U-23 (PDL) at New York Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA)
Belson Stadium (St. John’s Univ.); Jamaica, NY
Kickoff: 7:30p.m. ET

New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2015 Team Photo

You wouldn’t be out of line calling this an “old school vs. new school” matchup. New York Pancyprian Freedoms dominated the US Open Cup in the early 1980’s winning the title in 1980, 1982, and 1983. They even followed up their 1983 title with a semi-final run in what was known back then as the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Today it’s known as the CONCACAF Champions League. You won’t find too many clubs that can match their history and pedigree as they continue to be among the elite in the fabled Cosmopolitan League. It was not an easy path through the open division tournament as the Freedoms had to defeat their biggest rival, and four-time US Open Cup champion, New York Greek Americans in Round 1 by a score of 4-2. They punched their ticket with a 2-1 win over 2012 Open Cup qualifier Jersey Shore Boca.

Representing the “new school” side of this tie is the U-23 side for one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) premier clubs: the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls’ youth side is one of two teams representing the Mid Atlantic division of the PDL’s Eastern Conference (Jersey Express). The Red Bulls have enjoyed a lot of success in their first six years as a club. They played their first five seasons in the NPSL, winning three division titles in addition to a league title in 2014. They celebrated their first NPSL championship by leaving the league to join the PDL. They qualified for the tournament in 2013 and 2014, and would have made the cut in 2015 but it was unlikely that the NPSL was going to give up one of their Open Cup spots to a team that just left to join a rival league.

The way the draw works out, the winner of this game will get a rather favorable matchup. Rather than playing a USL team, as most Round 1 winners will, the Red Bulls or the Freedoms will take on the winner of Jersey Express (PDL) and the Clarkston Eagles (NPSL).

LA Wolves FC (USASA) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Ventura College Sportsplex; Ventura, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

LA Wolves (orange) and Del Rey City squared off in the opening round of the 2016 US Open Cup open division qualifying tournament. Photo: Del Rey City SC

“Play Like A Wolf” is the slogan for the United Premier Soccer League’s (UPSL) LA Wolves FC. The senior team sure looked like alpha dogs in 2015, winning 20 of their 21 competitive matches (20-0-1) and ultimately falling short in the league title game, losing to fellow Open Cup qualifier San Nicolas FC. Now they’ll set their sights on a new competition as they enter the Open Cup for the first time in team history. To get there, they had two win two games in the open division tournament, one against fellow UPSL side Del Rey City SC and the other against Cal FC, the team that made a name for themselves in 2012 when they upset the Portland Timbers of MLS. The Wolves are one of three qualifiers from the Los Angeles-based UPSL, a fast-growing amateur league that has expanded to Nevada and Arizona in recent years.

Their opponent, the Ventura County Fusion, have qualified for the seventh straight year, one shy of the amateur record for the Modern Era (Reading United AC – 8). In addition being one of the most consistent PDL teams in the league, the Fusion have also hosted teams from the EPL, Liga MX, and other top divisions from around the globe for friendlies.

They’ve seen it all in their 10-year history with eight playoff appearances, three division titles and a 2009 PDL championship. In Open Cup play, they have won a Modern Era amateur record five straight opening round games, which is a Modern Era record, and have upset a pair of professional teams on the road. They beat the Los Angeles Blues (now Orange County Blues) of the USL in the 2012 Second Round, and knocked off the LA Galaxy II (USL).

A fair warning to those who will be in attendance: be prepared for LOTS of orange. Both sides feature a healthy dose of it in their uniforms.

CD Aguiluchos USA (NPSL) at San Francisco City FC (US Club Soccer)
Beach Chalet #4; San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET

San Francisco City FC defeated Cal FC 2-1 in their US Open Cup debut in the 2015 Preliminary Round. Photo: San Francisco City FC

Finally, we turn our attention to the northern half of California. Oakland-based CD Aguiluchos were founded in 2012 in honor of El Salvadoran side CD Augila and, as you might expect, feature a roster full of players drawn from the Bay Area’s Salvadoran population. The club is also managed by former CD Augila coach Hugo Coria. And if you’re still not convinced of their love of all things El Salvador, their away kit is blue and white to honor the national team. This is their second trip to the tournament after qualifying in 2014. They were one-and-done after traveling to Southern California and losing to the Ventura County Fusion, 2-1. The club missed out in 2015 but are back after finishing third in their division with a 7-4-1 record. That third place finish was enough to get into the NPSL playoffs and they made a run all the way to the national semifinals. They lost to the New York Cosmos B, one of the few pro teams in the league that moved on to win the NPSL title and later withdrew from this year’s US Open Cup.

On the other side of the draw is another team with close ties to its community, though in a different way. San Francisco City FC is 51% owned by its club members while the other 49% belongs to their investors/partners. Their Board of Directors, which must vote unanimously to make major changes to the club, is made up of three members: one from the membership group, one from the investor group, and one from the club’s staff. The approach seems to be working as the club is growing. They made the movie from a local amateur league to the PDL, where they will begin play in 2016. There have been reports that the club is being courted to join one of the professional leagues down the road. The roster that will take part in the Open Cup this year will not be the PDL roster that will be on the field this summer, it will be the one that qualified for the competition through the open division qualifying tournament. making its PDL debut this season. This is also their second consecutive Open Cup appearance. Last year, they lost a 2-1 decision to Cal FC at Kezar Stadium.

2015 US Open Cup Round 2: Portland Timbers 2 take over second half, hold off Michigan Bucks 2-0

May 19, 2015 by Eric Wasser

Team introductions for the Portland Timbers 2 and Michigan Bucks at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. | Photo: Eric Wasser

It was a quiet night in Pontiac, Mich. as the reigning PDL champion Michigan Bucks got ready to play the Portland Timbers 2 (T2) in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. An announced crowd of about 467, about a quarter of the audience for their First Round match against Detroit City FC, saw the Bucks compete in the opening half, only to have the pros from Portland take over in the second frame.

Seth Casiple assisted on two second half goals, one early from Kharlton Belmar and a stoppage time breakout tap-in by Fatawu Safiu to lift the Timbers to a 2-0 victory. With the win, the Timbers will play the winner of the Kitsap Pumas (PDL) and Seattle Sounders 2 (USL).

As each team warmed up in the echoing expanses of the indoor facility there was a notable difference in the alacrity of each squads’ preparations. T2’s preparations looked significantly more focused and intentional, perhaps testing the indoor playing surface.

As the game kicked off, the hometown Bucks truly controlled the game. For nearly the first half hour they dominated possession, and as a result had many good looks on goal. Few were on target, and less posed a challenge to the T2 keeper. Their best shot of the half came in the third minute, yet the lack of consistent offensive pressure from Portland allowed Michigan the freedom to continue to take the necessary risks to create so many chances.

Around the 27th minute, there was a palpable change in the composure of the T2 players, as they began to challenge the Bucks’ defense with quick counterattacking chances. It took all of Michigan keeper Stephen Patterson’s talent and athleticism to keep the ball out of the net, including pulling one shot away that looked to have broken the plane of the goal. This flurry of offensive opportunity seemed to give T2 their first bit of confidence, which gradually led to a stalemate of possession, and an equal amount of promising opportunities for both teams going into the second half, with Portland having finally found their identity on the pitch.

The change from a purely reactionary, counterattacking squad led to a couple of quick chances for Portland in the first minutes of the second half, while Michigan seemed slightly less assured past their defensive half. Finally, in the 55th minute the scoring was broken open as Portland’s debut player Seth Casiple sent a long, outward curling cross to the back of the box, which found itself driven into the back of the net by a powerful header from Kharlton Belmar.

From this point onwards, Portland controlled the tempo of the match, as Michigan was constantly forced backwards into their defensive third of the pitch, clearing the ball long to reset T2 possessions. Around the 80th minute, though, the Bucks renewed their sense of urgency, and created what were their three best chances of the night. In the 83rd minute Michigan had the T2 keeper beaten with a strong head from a corner going straight into the upper left corner of the net. Fortunately for Portland, defender Blair Gavin held fast to his position and managed to head the shot away at the last moment.

“I was assigned to the front post, and I had to defend it,” Gavin commented post-match when asked about his game-changing defensive stand. “You drill that every day in practice, and I knew to stay in my position.”

After that, Michigan’s David Goldsmith and Nick Wysong both had open looks at goal (in the 87th and 92nd minutes, respectively), facing only the keeper, and both sailed their shots long over the bar. After the latter, Portland took the goal kick quickly, creating a three against one situation. Casiple again had the ball at his feet to assist the goal, as he forced Patterson to commit to him before laying the ball off to the flanking Safiu for a 93rd minute goal that certainly put the Bucks’ hopes of advancing beyond salvaging.

Seth Casiple walked off the pitch surrounded by congratulatory teammates, and was quick to praise them and the club.

“It’s incredible to come out and win with a team like this on a night like this,” he said breathlessly, still exuberant from celebration of his two-assist debut. “This club makes it so easy to want to come out and play for them, they make it so easy to feel apart of something.”

2015 US Open Cup Round 1: Michigan Bucks dominate Detroit City FC to kick off Motor City rivalry (video)

May 18, 2015 by Eric Wasser

In one of the most anticipated First Round games in Lamar Hunt US Open Cup modern era history, the Michigan Bucks cruised to a 3-0 win over Detroit City FC. It was the first meeting between the two Metro Detroit-based clubs and a match-up between the Bucks, the most successful amateur club in the recent tournament history, and City, an NPSL team that, modestly successful on the field, has built its national reputation on its passionate fanbase.

The chants of the Northern Guard Supporters, which started long before kickoff, were amplified even further by the fact that the game was played indoors at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. However, despite being outnumbered and outsung, the home fans had plenty to cheer about as the Bucks got three first half goals from David Goldsmith, Peri Marosevic, and Brad Ruhaak. Le Rouge, as Detroit City is known, created few scoring chances and was held scoreless by goalkeeper Stephen Paterson.

The win snaps the Bucks’ three-game losing streak in the tournament and sends them to Round 2 where they will host the USL’s Portland Timbers 2 on May 20.

It was just the seventh indoor game ever played in US Open Cup history (the last six of them hosted by the Bucks at the USA), and it started out promising for Detroit City as the young team took advantage of their speedy University of Michigan forwards, James Murphy and William Mellors-Blair to create two good chances. Any high spirits for Le Rouge were crushed soon after as Calvin Rezende swung a long cross into a crowded box, which David Goldsmith volleyed in for the opening goal in the 7th minute.

Just two minutes later, Nick Wysong created a turnover just outside the box. The ball deflected off a Detroit City defender and onto the path of former MLS player Marosevic who beat the keeper to give the home team a 2-0 lead. For Marosevic, who spent time with FC Dallas, Toronto FC and most recently the New York Cosmos, it was his first Open Cup goal since he scored a hat trick for the Austin Aztex (Div. 2) against the Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) in 2010.

Then, in the 30th minute, Rezende dribbled to the corner and got past a defender and cut across the penalty area where the defense closed on him. After losing the ball for a moment, he was able to tap it out to Brad Ruhaak who rifled it in to the upper corner of the net from 25 yards out.

The Bucks took that 3-0 lead into the halftime break and after play resumed, the game settled into a rhythm as the Bucks developed methodically out of the back, stringing together short passes. Detroit City played a less patient game, generally playing long balls, creating fewer offensive threats.

Highlights: Detroit City FC at Michigan Bucks

Michigan Bucks head coach Demir Muftari

Detroit City head coach Ben Pirmann