Alumni in Preseason

As MLS training camps opened over the last week, we've realized there are a number of Bucks alums currently in camp with MLS teams.


The two all Bucks fanaticos should know about are Doug DeMartin and Mike Holody who were taken in the MLS SuperDraft almost two weeks ago by Kansas City and Colorado respectively. The Bucks have maybe the most rooted ties to these two MLS teams seeing as the Wizards have drafted more Bucks then any other MLS side with 6, one in each of the last 6 years. Currently DeMartin is in camp with former college and Bucks teammate Rauwshan McKenzie (2005-2006) as well as Aaron Hohlbein (2004). In addition, Bret Jacobs, currently the youth director with the Colorado Rapids was the assistant to Dan Fitzgerald from 2006-2007.

Lets check out the other Bucks in camp:

Dave Hertel is in Utah, training with Real Salt Lake, who filed an MLS Discovery claim on the defender. After having an excellent combine, Hertel was surprisingly not selected in the draft, but RSL Manager Jason Kreis was impressed enough to bring him out west to compete for a spot. Addtionally Ty Shipalane was invited to Columbus, after obviously having impressed the Crew coaching staff in the three matches the Bucks played with their sister team in 2006 and 2007.


Bucks 2007 backliner, Eric Brunner, who was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in 2008 after having a stellar senior season with Ohio State is back in camp this year after spending the last season with Miami FC of the USL First Division. You may remember Brunner was initially signed by Red Bull, but was asked to take a significant pay cut after the team acquired Andrew Boyens from Toronto FC just before the season began. Before joining the Blues, Brunner was able to play for the US U-23's at the Toulon Tournament in France, where he scored a goal, in preparation for the Olympic games.

Two-year Bucks veteran, Kyle Veris (2001, 2005) is back stateside after spending last season with IL Hodd of the Norwegian Second Division. Veris, another Bucks and Buckeyes defender, played for the LA Galaxy from 2006-2007 and is currently in camp with DC United.

Additionally a number of other Bucks are looking at possible trials with MLS and USL teams, including a certain outspoken goalkeeper who is not currently in the country... We may hear from him soon, so keep watching the 14 Point Blog. Also, watch tomorrow as the Michigan Bucks 2009 Regular Season Schedule will be released.