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() - The Michigan Bucks 2-0 shutout of the Cincinnati Kings last Saturday guaranteed the Bucks a record 14th trip to the Premier Development League (PDL) playoffs in 16 seasons. As much as a spot in the playoffs would sound good to most PDL teams, the Bucks do not want to give up their season long hold on first place in the Great Lakes division. This year's playoff format have the #3 seed playing at the #2 seed on Tuesday, July 26, with the winner joining the #1 seed in the division in the Central Conference Final Four (venue to be determined). If the Bucks can win their last three USL regular season matches, they will stay home in the mid week, while the other two teams battle for the final spot. If the regular season ended today, London FC would travel to Chicago to play that play-in game. However, in the next seven days, the three teams all square off head to head so first place is still within reach of all three clubs.

The huge stretch run begins this Saturday, July 16 when FC London comes to Ultimate Soccer Arenas to take on the Bucks. A victory would guarantee them a playoff spot and move them into the driver's seat for first place. A Buck's win helps keep the team from having to travel for a potential play-in game, while a tie keeps the three teams in a wild card race to the end. Following Saturday night's game, London travels to Chicago on Monday night and the Bucks follow them into the Windy City for a Wednesday night clash with the Fire. By then the dust should be settled and everyone will know what is left to do in their final regular season match on July 23.

Bucks head coach Gary Parsons is following all of the scenarios, as well as the Bucks potential to host the Central Conference Final Four the weekend of July 29-30.

"We know there are dozens of different scenarios of what could happen over the next two weeks, but all that really matters is for us to win our last three games. If we do that, we will be the Great Lakes Division champs, avoid a mid week playoff and are still a potential host of the Conference Finals. Anything less than that and we let everyone else back into the mix; and that is always dangerous. We have the benefit of controlling our own destiny and need to step up and take advantage beginning Saturday with London."

The Bucks defeated FC London 2-1 earlier this season in a classic battle in Canada and currently hold any tie breaker over both they and Chicago (2-0 win in May). After the Bucks huge home game this Saturday and road game at Chicago on Wednesday, the team returns home for the regular season finale against the Toronto Lynx at Ultimate Soccer Arenas.

Tickets for the Saturday's showdown with FC London (7:30 kick off) is sponsored by MSYSA and all presale tickets can be purchased for only $4. Tickets at the gate are $10 Adults (16 and over) and $7 Youth (5 and under free). 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. All youth players involved in MSYSA are encouraged to wear their team jersey in support of the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association.