K-W United FC News Release - www.kwunitedfc.com
Sunday, June 1, 2014
WATERLOO, Ont. - A goal by Jarek Whiteman early in the first half was all that was needed for K-W United FC defeat the Michigan Bucks 1-0 Sunday evening in their home opener.
Whiteman opened the account and goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod did the rest as the Bucks were kept off the scoreboard. United now improves to 2-0-1 this season.
"We didn't come out ready for a big game and got away from our game plan," head coach Stuart Neely said. "Michigan is a talented side and we composed ourselves the second half. We've come out with three very very big points. Because at any time any of the teams in this division can beat each other up."
The first half, United struggled to get the ball moving. But 13 minutes in, Whiteman scored his second of the season to put the home team up 1-0.
Michigan continued to pressure, but keeper MacLeod and the back four stood tall, getting rid of the opportunities.
The second half was much of the same, with Neely shaking up his roster and giving the bench some playing time. Multiple times throughout the game, Michigan got the opportunity down low, but MacLeod stood tall.
"He's golden right now," Neely said of his keeper. "And you've got to go with the flow. He's made some miraculous saves for us to keep us in the game."
K-W United still has not allowed a goal against in three games. Neely named MacLeod man of the match for his efforts.
United now focuses its attention to next weekends trip to Michigan, when it will reunite with the Bucks in Michigan on Saturday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.