The Premier Development League, the 59-team fourth tier of U.S. soccer — after MLS, USL1 and USL2 — will crown its 2006 champion when the Michigan Bucks meet the Laredo Heat in the final on Saturday in Laredo, Texas. The Bucks have reached the playoffs in 10 of their 11 years in the league but have never lifted the title. The Bucks’ Nate Jafta, a South Africa native and sophomore midfielder from defending NAIA champion Lindsey Wilson College, led the PDL this season with 11 assists. The 3-year-old Laredo Heat got two playoff game-winning goals from Laredo native Nicho Infante. Arnoldo Presas, a 17-year-old high school senior, scored twice in a 3-2 round of 16 win over the Augusta Fireball.
TV: PDL final, LAREDO HEAT-MICHIGAN BUCKS
Saturday (same-day delay) 11:30 pm ET on Fox Soccer Channel.