Sidelines

Bulls Finalize 2008 Football Schedule

Buffalo announced its 2008 football schedule on Tuesday, adding a game at Pittsburgh of the Big East, as well as a home game versus Army. Earlier, Buffalo added the University of Texas-El Paso and Big XII North Champion Missouri for the 2008 season.

The Bulls have signed a four-year home-and-home agreement with Pittsburgh, starting this upcoming season. The Bulls will begin the series when they travel to Heinz Field to face the Pittsburgh Panthers on Sept. 6, 2008 for the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Pitt will then travel to UB Stadium on Sept. 12, 2009. The series will conclude with games in 2011 and 2012.

The Army Black Knights will face the Buffalo Bulls at UB Stadium for the first time in history on Oct. 18, 2008, in the first of two meetings between the schools. Army won their first game against Buffalo in 1960 by a score of 37-0.

The Bulls will open the 2008 season by hosting UTEP on Aug. 28 at UB Stadium. This will be the first encounter between the Bulls and the Miners. Buffalo will open the 2009 season in El Paso.

In addition, Buffalo has signed a four-year agreement with Connecticut of the Big East. The Bulls will play the Huskies in a home-and-home series starting in 2010 as well as a two-game series against the University of Central Florida of Conference USA.

2008 Non-Conference Schedule

August 28 - University of Texas-El Paso - UB Stadium

September 6 - at Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA

September 20 - at Missouri - Columbia, MO

October 18 - Army - UB Stadium

2009 Non-Conference Schedule

August 27-29 - at Texas-El Paso - El Paso, TX

September 12 - Pittsburgh - UB Stadium

September 26 - at Central Florida - Orlando, FL

Home game TBA

2010 Non-Conference Schedule

September 11 - at Baylor - Waco, TX

September 18 - University of Central Florida - UB Stadium

September 25 - at Connecticut - East Hartford, CT

Home game TBA

Michael Thomas hired to coach Women's Soccer Program

Michael Thomas, who helped lead the University of Denver to four NCAA Tournament appearances as an assistant coach, has officially been named the head coach of the women's soccer program. Thomas is replacing former head coach Jean-A. Tassy, who retired after coaching the program for 13 seasons.

Thomas spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach at Denver, guiding the Pioneers to a 90-25-12 record during his tenure. Thomas was also a technical advisor and staff coach for the Colorado Fusion Soccer Club, where he directed over 40 teams. In 2006, he was a coach for the Olympic Development Program.

Thomas was a professional soccer player from 1998-1999 with the Myrtle Beach Sea Dawgs of the United Soccer League. He played again in the league in 2000.