Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Friday August 10, 2012
DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Dutch Lions will host the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night at Miami Valley South Stadium in the club's final home game of the regular season. The Eagles visit Dayton for the second meeting between the clubs this season after playing the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday night.
The two teams previously tied 0-0 in an uneventful first game of the season on April 13. Both teams have strong records since that first meeting. Dayton (4-10-7) has won four and tied one game in its last five home games, including a 4-0 defeat of the Wilmington Hammerheads on June 23. In the last Lions game on July 29, defenders Nixon Dias and Mettin Copier and forward Daniel Holowaty all recorded goals in a 3-1 win over Antigua Barracuda FC. Former Eagle Gibson Bardsley has four goals and one assist on the season, while leading the league with 47 shots in 20 games.
Meanwhile, the Eagles (9-9-2) have won six of their last seven games, with the only recorded loss to Richmond on July 28. The Eagles are coming off a 4-0 win against Antigua with goals scored by Juan Guzman, Darryl Roberts, Josh Rife, and Jorge Herrera. Roberts is tied for 10th in USL PRO in points with 13 and seventh in goals with six, while Herrera is 16th in points with 12, and 10th in shots with 31. Charlotte is currently battling for a place in the USL PRO Playoffs, sitting in seventh place before their game against the Riverhounds on Friday. The top six teams reach the playoffs, making both of the Eagles games this weekend must-wins.
The playoffs are out of reach for the Dutch Lions, but their marked improvement this season has continued the growth the club was hoping to see in its second season in the professional ranks. Coach Ivar van Dinteren is hoping his side can maintain its momentum from a good recent run of form.
“I am not sure if it was good we had a week off,” said van Dinteren. “Sometimes it's better to go on and on because you stay in the rhythm. I am curious how the guys will react not only physically but also mentally. I am happy we play our last home game against Charlotte. They have one of the best results in the last seven games so it will be a test for us.
“I am also looking forward to meet Head Coach Mark Steffens. I have a lot of respect for him because he made a lot of progress with his team this season. We will play for the fans Saturday, and the only thing that counts is a win.”
Dayton will hit the road for back-to-back games to finish the season, meeting Orlando City (17-1-5) on Friday, August 17 at 7:30 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, and the Charleston Battery (11-10-1) on Saturday, August 18 at 7:30 at Blackbaud Stadium. For game tickets, visit the Dutch Lions website.
