With nine titles in the past 11 seasons, the Michigan Bucks have been the gold standard in the Great Lakes Division over the past decade.
The Bucks took their fourth consecutive title in 2017, finishing atop the division but falling short of 2016’s PDL Championship-winning campaign. They’ll aim to hold off in-state newcomers Lansing United, who will try and challenge for the Bucks’ crown in their inaugural season.
The West Virginia Chaos, third-place finishers in 2017, will also look to improve and challenge for the division title.
Also returning to the division in 2018 are the Cincinnati Dutch Lions, the Dayton Dutch Lions and the Derby City Rovers.
Great Lakes Division Breakdown
Cincinnati Dutch Lions
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Home Field: Northern Kentucky University
2017 Finish: 5-6-3, 4th in Great Lakes Division
First PDL Season: 2014
PDL Playoffs Appearances: 2015
PDL Titles: N/A
Notable Alums: Zeus de la Paz (Oldham Athletic)
Dayton Dutch Lions
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Home Field: DOC Stadium
2017 Finish: 4-7-3, 5th in Great Lakes Division
First PDL Season: 2015
PDL Playoffs Appearances: N/A
PDL Titles: N/A
Notable Alums: Brad Stuver (New York City FC)
Derby City Rovers
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Home Field: King Louie’s Sports Complex
2017 Finish: 1-11-2, 6th in Great Lakes Division
First PDL Season: 2011
PDL Playoffs Appearances: 2012
PDL Titles: N/A
Notable Alums: Michael DeGraffenreidt (Nashville SC)
Lansing United
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Home Field: East Lansing Soccer Complex
2017 Finish: N/A
First PDL Season: 2018
PDL Playoffs Appearances: N/A
PDL Titles: N/A
Notable Alums: N/A
Michigan Bucks
Location: Pontiac, Michigan
Home Field: Ultimate Soccer Arena
2017 Finish: 10-1-3, 1st in Great Lakes Division
First PDL Season: 1996
PDL Playoffs Appearances: 1996-2000, 2002-08, 2010-17
PDL Titles: PDL Champion (2006, 2014, 2016), PDL Runner-Up (2000, 2007), PDL Regular Season Champion (2000, 2008, 2012, 2015-16), Central Conference Champion (2000, 2006-07, 2014, 2016), Great Lakes Division Champion (1999-2000, 2003-04, 2007-08, 2010-12, 2014-17), North Central Division (1997)
Notable Alums: Kofi Opare (D.C. United), Zarek Valentin (Portland Timbers)
West Virginia Chaos
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Home Field: Schoenbaum Stadium
2017 Finish: 7-6-1, 3rd in Great Lakes Division
First PDL Season: 2003
PDL Playoffs Appearances: 2014
PDL Titles: South Atlantic Division Champion (2014)
Notable Alums: Rob Vincent (former D.C. United)
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