The Flint City Bucks have signed six more players for the USL League Two season pending league and federation approvals.

Derick Broche | Junior | Forward | University of Michigan

Broche made 10 appearances for the Wolverines this spring, tallying a goal and an assist.

The forward from Novi, Michigan, was previously named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team for his impressive seven-goal, three-assist debut season that included key marks in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal and the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

Before college, Broche played several years each with Crew SC Academy Wolves and Houston Dynamo Academy. He joins U-M goalkeeper Jacob Nunner on the Bucks.

Zach Buescher | Senior | Midfielder | Bowling Green State University

A four-year starter, Buescher most recently helped Bowling Green reach the Mid-American Conference title game (for the first time since 2014) and the NCAA Tournament.

Buescher has started every match for the Falcons since his arrival, racking up 1,159 minutes for the team this spring. In 2019, he earned All-MAC Second Team honors. Top Drawer Soccer also placed the steady midfielder at No. 13 on its MAC postseason player rankings.

The native of Holland, Ohio, is not new to the Michigan soccer scene. In summer 2018, he played for AFC Ann Arbor, then of the National Premier Soccer League and now among Flint City’s nearest rivals in the USL2 Great Lakes Division. The following year, Buescher also featured for the Dayton Dutch Lions — including in two pivotal USL2 matches against the Bucks.

“I’m excited to be a part of a great program that will be very competitive every day,” Buescher said. “I’m also looking forward to being surrounded by players and staff who will help me learn more.”

Before college, he helped his Team Challenger Crew Juniors squad to a national title at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in July 2017. Buescher captained his team at Toledo St. John's Jesuit High School, named to the All-America team as a senior.

Fernando Garcia | Junior | Forward/Midfielder | University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Garcia scored five goals this spring to help UNC Greensboro secure its first Southern Conference tournament championship since 2010 — plus an NCAA Tournament bid.

He was one of three UNC Greensboro players named first-team all-conference. A versatile attacker, Garcia is comfortable along the front three or in any central midfield position.

UNC Greensboro coach Chris Rich noted upon Garcia’s recruitment last year: “He is extremely competitive, has an incredible work rate, and has a winning mentality.”

The North Carolina native transferred from Northeast Texas Community College, where his sophomore contribution included seven goals, four game-winners, and three assists. His efforts netted a spot on the United Soccer Coaches all-region second team for Division I junior colleges.

Bilal Kamal | Sophomore | Midfielder | University of New Hampshire

Kamal notched three goals and three assists for UNH this year, tallying one game-winner and becoming one of just three players on the roster to start all 10 matches.

The No. 11 Wildcats fell in the second round of the NCAA Tournament but previously clinched their third consecutive America East Conference championship.

The Englishman started 11 times his freshman year in 2019, totaling three goals and five assists. He scored the game-winning goal in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Fairleigh Dickinson University. His efforts netted America East All-Rookie Team honors.

“I’m looking forward to my first summer playing in the states, as I’m from the UK,” Kamal said. “Also excited to be playing in a team that competes for titles with great players!”

Before moving stateside, the midfielder played two seasons with the Norwich City U-23s and two with the U-18s. His team made the FA Youth Cup quarterfinals in 2017-2018.

Kamal has youth international experience with the England U-15 squad.

Alan Kehoe | Graduate | Left Back | Franklin Pierce University

Kehoe is an experienced left back formerly of Longford Town in the Irish First Division.

“This team has been very successful in recent seasons, and I feel we can build on that with the group we have this season,” Kehoe said of joining Flint City.

Before transferring to Franklin Pierce University in pursuit of his Master of Business Administration, the defender from Dublin won two conference championships with the University of New Hampshire. Kehoe started 18 matches in 2019, bolstering his defensive effort with an assist.

Wildcats coach Marc Hubbard noted on his signing: “Alan’s attributes are exceptional, especially his quickness with the ball, and we are excited to have him here representing UNH.”

Before moving stateside, Kehoe also played for Irish clubs Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers, and Shelbourne. He coaches youth soccer teams for Hampshire United.

Mujeeb Murana | Sophomore | Defender | Saint Louis University

As a freshman, Murana was one of just four players who started all 17 matches for the Billikens. They allowed just four goals in league play and 19 total, collecting eight clean sheets. The Nigeria-born defender was named to the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Rookie team.

“I’m looking forward to joining a club with lots of success in their history — a club known for developing players into pros,” Murana said of joining the Bucks. “I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing and dedicated fans of Flint and hopefully bring home another trophy.”

This spring, he added three goals and one assist in 14 matches. Consistent defending plus the solid offensive boost earned Murana all-conference first team honors.

SLU coach Kevin Kalish commented upon his signing: “Mujeeb is a special player who can dominate opponents physically both as a wide back and center back.”

Murana’s brother, Quayyum Murana, also played for the Billikens.

Mujeeb spoke of their childhood to The University News: “Growing up in Nigeria was fun, but it was also difficult. All we did was play soccer because there was no TV and nothing else to do. We didn’t go to school all the time, because there would be strikes, so sometimes you would take a month out, not going to school, and all you did was play with your friends and play soccer.”

Before joining SLU, he captained the Houston Dynamo U-19 academy team — earning invitations to train with the Dynamo first team and Rio Grande Valley of the USL Championship.

Flint City Bucks Take Point in Cincinnati - Return to Atwood Saturday Night

The Flint City Bucks continued their USL League Two title defense Tuesday night, May 25 in Cincinnati, drawing 0-0 with Kings Hammer FC at Xavier University’s Corcoran Field.  Goalkeeper Isaac Walker comfortably shut out the hosts, making three saves.

Kings Hammer debuted in the Great Lakes Division this month, beginning their first USL2 campaign with two wins in three matches — including a 2-1 victory over Dayton Dutch Lions and a 1-0 victory over Oakland County FC of Clawson, Michigan.  Flint outshot Kings Hammer 11-8, forcing seven saves from keeper Scott Williams.

Attacking midfielder Ids Hannema debuted in the starting lineup for Flint City after scoring twice in 13 minutes off the bench during a 3-1 opening night win over Toledo Villa FC.  Dylan Borczak, who returns from the 2019 squad, was also back in the XI. He was dangerous Tuesday, playing several pinpoint crosses from the right wing. In the 57th minute, he beat his defender and drew a free kick at the edge of the penalty area.

Matthew Fearnley had the game’s first big scoring chance in just the 4th minute of action, flicking a close-range header that required a diving stop.  Charlie Sharp — who scored the Bucks’ first goal of the 2021 season — provided a spark off the bench. His quick counter ended with a shot off the post in the 78th minute.  Eight cautions were issued by the referee as tempers occasionally flared on what was an unseasonably warm and often frustrating evening in southwestern Ohio.

Next Match  

The Bucks return to Kettering’s Atwood Stadium this Saturday evening to face the Dayton Dutch Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm with gates opening at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, Flint Prints in the Ferris Wheel Building downtown all day Friday and at the gate one hour prior to kickoff at the stadium.