Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Thursday, May 10, 2012
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions FC are looking to bounce back from last week’s tie against the Richmond Kickers as they host the Los Angeles Blues on Friday night at Miami Valley South Stadium t 7:30 p.m. The Dutch Lions, who are still looking for their first victory of the season, will face a Blues side that took four points from its last two games against the Wilmington Hammerheads, but is heading east for its first road trip of the season this weekend.
Although last week’s tie against the Kickers felt like a loss as a stoppage-time penalty took a potential win from the Dutch Lions, Dayton coach Ivar van Dinteren was happy with the performance of his team.
“We did not give away any chances against good opponent," van Dinteren said, "and in the same way as our game against the Rochester Rhinos the week before our organization has been good. After four games we know we can play any team in this League and our guys are hungry after seeing this the last two games against good opponents."
Gibson Bardsley had given the Dutch Lions an early lead against the Kickers, recording the Dutch Lions’ first goal of the season in the process, and he was named to the USL PRO Team of the Week on Tuesday for his efforts. The Dutch Lions have also received good performances of late from midfielder Joel DeLass and Gerrit Bartels, while Friday’s game also sees the chance for striker Akeem Priestly to go up against the side he played for in USL PRO last season.
Van Dinteren, though, is aware of the challenge the Blues will give his side.
"The Los Angeles Blues are another very good team, and although they are right with us at the bottom I feel they have a lot of quality and should be with the top four teams in the League," van Dinteren said. "Therefore I am expecting a high-level game for the fans where we will need to stay very organized again and be aggressive but also not fear to put pressure on them and hurt them while keep playing our passing game.”
The Dayton Dutch Lions are currently 0-2-2. After this weekend’s game they go on the road for a doubleheader against the Rochester Rhinos (May 18) and Harrisburg City Islanders (May 19) next weekend before returning to host the Rhinos on Saturday, May 26. Tickets for that game, and all of the remaining home games this season, can be purchased at www.dutchlionsfc.com.
