With the history b
etween the two clubs it’s only fitting that this years’ U.S. Open Cup qualifying for the Central Conference involves a match between the Indiana Invaders and the Michigan Bucks. 
The two clubs have met each other in Open Cup qualifying each year since 1998, most of the matched having a direct impact in the Bucks U.S. Open Cup hopes. Most time the Bucks have prevailed, on their way to an Open Cup appearance. There have been a couple of times, however, that the Invaders have prevented the Bucks from qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup. Michigan will look to make their sixth U.S. Open Cup appearance, their first since 2003, while Indiana have never appeared in the U.S. Open Cup.
Indiana Invaders-Michigan Bucks U.S. Open Cup Qualifying History
May 29, 2005 - Indiana 3, Michigan 1
(Indiana defeat the Bucks in their final USOC qualifier. Both were knocked out the previous day, however, when Chicago won)
May 13, 2004 - Michigan 5, Indiana 0
(no bearing on either clubs’ Open Cup qualifying)
May 26, 2003 - Mid Michigan 3, Indiana 1
(Final qualifying game, with the winner taking the final Central spot)
May 11, 2002 - Indiana 1, Mid Michigan 1
(Only blemish in Bucks record, prevents Open Cup appearance)
May 19, 2001 - Mid Michigan 4, Indiana 3
(Bucks go 4-0-0 to qualify for the Cup)
May 19, 2000 - Mid Michigan 3, Indiana 2
(Bucks go on to qualify for the Cup)
May 15, 1999 - Mid Michigan 3, Indiana 0
(Bucks qualify with 4-0-0 record, Invaders finish 0-0-4)
May 8, 1998 - Mid Michigan 4, Indiana 3 (aet)
(Invaders take Bucks to extra time, cost Bucks the extra point needed to overcome Des Moines Menace at the end for the Central qualifying spot)
