Despite a late rally in the second half, KW United FC fell short against the Michigan Bucks 3-2. The loss dropped KW United's record to 8-4-1, and falls to second place in the Great Lakes Division.

KW United came quickly and early, firing off a first shot by Jiro Barriga only two minutes into the game, saved quickly by Michigan goalkeeper Drew Shepherd. KW United goalkeeper Jared Brown, getting his first start of the season, came up big for the club early as Michigan started to warm up.

The Bucks broke through first on a long shot from Jacob Bevan that hit the crossbar then the ground below before being cleared away by KW defender Marko Maletic and was a clear demonstration for the need for goal line technology. The Bucks added some breathing room to their lead when Tom Owens' free kick found Kyle Thomson, who headed the ball into the net to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

KW United's Ken Krolicki pushed to try and get the club on the board, first with a cross that was saved by Shepherd, and then with another shot two minutes later that was also saved quickly. Krolicki got close, looking to put KW United on the board, but the Bucks stayed strong and held onto their lead going into the second half. 

The Bucks added another goal to their lead when forward Austin Ricci booted it from 20 yards out to take a 3-0 lead. Michigan maintained pressure, putting KW United on their feet, but Brown stayed strong between the pipes for KW.

KW United broke through, as in the 66th minute, Jannik Löbe broke Shepherd's shutout streak to cut the lead into two. KW United continued pushing, when a shot by Liam Callahan sailed over the bar and a header by Wesley Cain was saved. Cain was rewarded in the 79th minute, when he sent a rocket into the goal that brought the club within one. Despite the late push, KW United fell short, losing 3-2 to Michigan and dropping the season series.

Regardless of the loss, KW United still clinched a spot in the United States Professional Development League playoffs with 25 points, and will have a chance to do some fine-tuning before these two teams possibly meet up again in a few weeks, with one game remaining on the schedule.

Next, KW United gets some rest before they host their season finale, when the Dayton Dutch Lions come to town. Kickoff is on Wednesday July 12th at 7:30p.m. at University Stadium. 

--SCORING SUMMARY--

First Half:

15": Michigan Bucks Goal - Jacob Bevan. Assisted by Jamie Carey-Morrell.

19": Michigan Bucks Goal - Kyle Thomson. Assisted by Tom Owens.

Second Half:

56": Michigan Bucks Goal - Austin Ricci.

66": KW United Goal - Jannik Löbe.

79": KW United Goal. - Wesley Cain.