Bucks on the Road

With the release of the 2009 Regular Season schedule last week, I started thinking about what away matches our loyal and dedicated supporters would want to attend. While all 16 Bucks regular season games are important, there are a few this year that stick out, here are my thoughts:

*The first two away games are usually the most important of the season because they double as US Open Cup qualifiers. This year our away qualifiers are at Ft. Wayne (Wednesday, May 20) and Indiana (South Bend; 5/25 Memorial Day), both places are about 3 hours away from the metro area. From experience I can say that away Open Cup qualifying matches are very intense, especially the last game when qualification is always on the line. Case in point, Memorial Day 2007, where after trailing 2-0 to the same Indiana team we’ll play this Memorial Day, the Bucks came back and ended up drawing 3-3 with the Invaders. The result gave us 10 points from our first four matches, finishing 2 ahead of Indiana in qualifying. If you have to pick one out of the first two away matches, this one may be the best to choose.

*While we’ll have already played Kalamazoo at home in the season opener, the Bucks will play the return leg with the Outrage on June 7 at 5:00 pm. Last year their fans brought a decent contingent over in their two games on this side of the state and I think it’d be nice to visit them as well. Remember the Bells Brewery is only a 15 minute drive from Loy Norrix High School -- that is if pre-match libations are your thing.

*Have you visited Toyota Park yet? July 1 in Chicago could be your chance. The Bucks will renew their rivalry with the Fire, who’ve moved back into our division again. Last years home match against Chicago was one of the best of the season and nearly a carbon copy of the 2007 away match vs. Indiana. Trailing 2-0 at halftime the Bucks scored three goals in 22 minutes, before surrendering the tying goal in the 85th; 3-3 at full time.
*The end of the season Canadian road trip will be fun for all. Start off on Friday night (July 17) when the Bucks play their first ever match at Forest City London. The next day head north to catch the Toronto FC-Houston Dynamo game downtown at BMO Field at 1PM. Hopefully the exchange rate will still favorable, in order to take a night on the town, before going to cheer on the Bucks on Sunday afternoon (July 19) against the Toronto Lynx at Hershey Centre. This happens to be my birthday weekend, so I’ll fully be expecting the 6 points from this trip.

Of course though as loyal fans, you should try to make every away game...

Side note: Steve Clark is back stateside and has caught up with Bucks teammate Dave Hertel and Real Salt Lake in Ventura, CA, as they both try to earn roster spots with the Royals.

Lastly, just 8 days till La Guerra Fria! Get excited.