Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Friday, May 25, 2012
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions FC face the Rochester Rhinos for the third and final time in the USL PRO regular season this Saturday night at Miami Valley South Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Dutch Lions are aiming to build on their midweek victory in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against the Chicago Fire PDL, and their 1-1 draw against the Rhinos last Friday that brought to an end Rochester's perfect start to the USL PRO season.
The Rhinos took a 1-0 victory in the first game between the two teams on April 28 at Miami Valley South before last weekend's contest. Dayton striker Gibson Bardsley became the first Dutch Lions player to score against the Rhinos this season, giving his side the lead at Sahlen's Stadium, but the Rhinos scored with 14 minutes to go to deny the Dutch Lions their first win in USL PRO this season.
The Dutch Lions did find success in the Open Cup on Tuesday night, as Daniel Holowaty's stoppage-time goal gave them a 2-1 victory and a third round contest against Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, to be played this coming Tuesday night at Crew Stadium.
The Rhinos are currently in second place in the USL PRO standings, trailing Orlando City by a point after the Lions' 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Blues on Thursday night. The Rhinos could jump past Orlando before their meeting with the Dutch Lions as they face the Harrisburg City Islanders on Friday night at Skyline Sports Complex at 6 p.m. While Rochester is one of the top two teams in the standings, Dutch Lions coach Ivar van Dinteren has been pleased with the way his side has competed in their first two encounters.
"Although Rochester is a tough team to play I feel in both games we deserved more than what we got," van Dinteren said. "After our best game on Friday however we had our worst game on Saturday against Harrisburg, mainly due to the fatigue of the players. But we picked up again Tuesday beating the Chicago Fire PDL in the U.S. Open Cup which is a big boost for our confidence, especially since it was our third game in five days.
"We are now looking to continue to win. I am expecting another close game Saturday and same as the previous two encounters.”
Following Tuesday night's Open Cup contest, the Dutch Lions return home to host the Charleston Battery in USL PRO on Saturday, June 2 at 8 p.m. The game is a doubleheader with the Dutch Lions' W-League side, who host the D.C. United Women at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online through www.dutchlionsfc.com.
