Sunday, July 29, 2012

DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions took a comfortable victory against an Antigua Barracuda FC side that finished the game with nine men as Mettin Copier and Daniel Holowaty scored second-half goals in a 3-1 victory on Sunday night. The win allowed Dayton to move back above the Pittsburgh Riverhounds into ninth place in the USL PRO standings. 

Antigua took the lead in the 12th minute as confusion in the Dayton Dutch Lions defense led a sharp finish by Tamarley Thomas, who finished off the rebound after Stefan Smith’s shot was saved by Matt Williams. But the Dutch Lions responded two minutes later as a beautifully placed corner by Eli Garner found Nixon Dias, who headed home to tie the game.

The Barricudas kept up the pressure, but Williams hit the ground for the save on a shot by Smith in the 17th minute. Their hopes of victory took a hit in the 38th minute, though, as Matthew Aldred was sent off after a late challenge on Kyle Knotek, which eventually forced the Dayton man to be substituted.

The teams remained level at the halftime break, but the game remained became more physical in the second half. Five minutes in, a yellow card was given to Dayton’s Mettin Copier for a foul on Kerry Skepple, who sent the ensuing free kick well over the crossbar. Soon after, Barracudas midfielder Anthony Sanderson attempted to pound one in, but Williams was able to save low to his right.

The Dutch Lions then took the lead in the 59th minute after a corner by Garner was tucked away by Copier after a scramble in the penalty area. After the goal was given, the Barracudas were reduced to nine men as George Dublin was sent off after an incident off the ball. With a two-man advantage, Dayton could have added to its lead when Garner was sent through on goal, only to find the side-netting after he had rounded the goalkeeper, but Holowaty scored a third in the 72nd minute to effectively seal the victory.

Despite the win, Dutch Lions coach Ivar van Dinteren was not satisfied.

“The only good thing about this game is the result,” he said. “We must improve – we need to do better if we want to win more games.”

The Dutch Lions remain at home for their next contest, when they host the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, August 11 at Miami Valley South Stadium. The Barracudas continue their trip next Friday night when they visit the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium at 7 p.m. ET.