Thursday, June 21, 2012
PONTIAC, Mich. -- The Michigan Bucks set two more team records on Thursday night with a 5-0 victory against the Cincinnati Kings at Ultimate Soccer Arenas. The win gives the Bucks their best season start in their illustrious 17-year history in the PDL with a Great Lakes Division leading 8-0-1 record (25 points). The current run of six consecutive shutouts is the best consecutive scoreless run in team history, dating back to their original season in 1996 when they competed out of Saginaw, Mich. as the Mid Michigan Bucks. 
This year's trademark is a fast paced, high powered offense to go along with their stifling defense and goalkeeping. Thursday night was no different, as the Bucks came out flying from the opening whistle. Forward Nermin Crnkic nearly scored on two different chances in the game's first minute and the visitors from Cincinnati knew that the home team was on a mission. Bucks leading scorer Tommy Catalano led the team from the opening stanza and finished the game with a goal and three assists, giving him five goals and nine assists on the season. Catalano had a pair of assists off of corner kicks in the first half when his services were headed home by defenders Justin Sass (19th minute) and Kevin Cope (23rd minute). The Bucks went into the locker room at halftime with a 2-0 lead and a decisive advantage of shots (12-5) and corner kicks (8-2). Sean Teepen made his fifth start in goal for the Bucks and ran his record to 4-0-1, with three shutouts on the season.
The home side came out in the second half with the same intensity as they started the game and put away the game's third goal on another highlight reel goal by Crnkic, who netted his third game-winner of the season on Tuesday night with a 20-yard volley into the top corner and took a pass from Catalano in the 61st minute of Thursday's game, beat two defenders and found side netting from a tight angle. Four minutes later, Man of the Match Catalano would try and outclass Crnkic's goal with a left-footed strike from 18 yards that bent just inside the left post for another quality finish. Kenny Uzoigwe would work hard to put Nate Boyden in from close range in the 90th minute to close out the 5-0 scoring.
Bucks head coach Gary Parsons was not surprised at the team's offensive display before the home crowd on Thursday.
"The guys were frustrated the past couple of games after dominating teams and failing to produce more than just a goal for their efforts," Parsons said. "I could see in warm ups that these guys were going to come out smoking tonight.
"I don't think it is a coincidence that the last goal this team has given up was a fluke penalty kick in overtime to lose the Open Cup match to Dayton. The guys took that personal. They dominated a pro team and came away with nothing to show for it. Nobody is talking about it, but you can tell there is a ton of pride in this team. These guys have something to prove and so far this season, I really like what I see."
Bucks CEO Dan Duggan was happy to see this group set a monumental team record for the undefeated start to the season, but was quick to remind all that were listening that there is much more to be done this season.
"We have had some great teams here and some incredible runs, but we have never started a season undefeated after nine games so that is something these guys should all be very proud of," Duggan said. "I reminded them all that they don't hand out trophies in June. We have a ton of work to do in the next six weeks to achieve all of our team goals for the season. To be undefeated in the PDL, and especially in the Great Lakes Division after nine games is an incredible accomplishment. To shut out six teams in a row with the caliber of teams we play game in and game out is unheard of. The boys can celebrate for the weekend but better be ready for next week, which will be the most difficult stretch of the season."
He was referring to the upcoming three game road trip which sandwiches a game in London on Friday night between two games in Chicago against the Fire on Tuesday and Sunday. Both Chicago and London are fighting for two of the three playoff spots in the division.
"Normally when you go on a three-game road trip to play two of the toughest teams in the PDL, you hear players and coaches talk about trying to steal a point on the road," Parsons said. "I don't think that you will ever hear this team talk like that. We need to be prepared to win every time we step on the field, physically and mentally. I think our veteran leadership will insure that we will have a successful road trip."
The Bucks return for their next home match on Saturday, July 7 at Ultimate Soccer Arenas, when they play the Cincinnati Kings for the final time this season.