KW United FC dropped the first game of a home-and-home series with the Michigan Bucks 1-0 on home turf. Despite keeping the game close, Michigan midfielder James Haupt did some late-game heroics to steal the three points for the Bucks in Waterloo

The game dropped KW United's overall record to 8-3-1, with two games remaining on the season. They still hold the top spot in the Great Lakes division, but the gap is closing quickly.

From the very start, it was a battle. KW United kept the pressure early in the game, maintaining possession of the ball and looking for chances. A header from Justin Springer was cleared by Bucks goalkeeper Drew Stephen. KW United midfielder Jannik Löbe has been searching for the scoresheet again, and manages to fire one off, but it's blocked in front of the net and pushed out of harm's way. On the other end, KW United goalkeeper Scott Levene was flawless. After a close-call when the ball bounced off the KW United post, Levene shuts down the Buck's corner kick and sends it the other way.

KW United had the last opportunity of the half when Darren Rios had a prime opportunity, but it was scooped up by Stephen.

The second half was very alike. KW United increased the pressure, when a cross by Löbe was deflected and Jiro Barriga had a chance two minutes later but it flew just wide. The Bucks dealt some pressure of their own, handled swiftly by KW. Ken Krolicki continued his hot streak, when his free kick sailed swiftly towards the net but bounced off the crossbar, and he connected with Löbe and Wesley Cain but couldn't finish.  When it looked like KW United finally broke through with a Krolicki goal, it was unfortunately called back because the play was offside.

That was when Haupt struck - his first of the season in the 87th minute put the Bucks up 1-0, and they didn't relinquish that lead. With the win, the Bucks close the gap to two points away from first-place in the division, and sets the stage for the next installment, when KW United travels out to Michigan for the second game of their back-to-back. If KW wants to keep their first-place intact, they will need to win this game to inch away from the surging Bucks. Game time is on Wednesday July 5 at 7:30p.m.

--SCORING SUMMARY--

First Half:

No Scoring

Second Half:

87": Michigan Bucks goal by James Haupt. Assisted by Jared Timmer.