Indianapolis, Indiana (June 5, 2016) The Dayton Dutch Lions FC (3-0-0) competing with less than 24 hours rest played with a vengeance as they defeated FC Pride (0-1-1) at the Lawrence Soccer complex 4-0. Alexis Kiehl was selected the Hope Springs Wellness Center Woman of the Match for her overall offensive effort. The Lions lead the Valley conference standings and have a 3 game win streak intact.
After having a very difficult time scoring last evening in rainy conditions, DDL FC relished the better weather. They were on the attack from the opening whistle getting quality shots on goal in the first ten minutes. The FC Pride keeper made 3 nice saves early. The Lions were much sharper around the box and when Micaela Powers got free down the left flank, her cross into the penalty area was met by on oncoming Meghan Blank who volleyed the ball into the back of the net. The 1-0 lead in the 15th minute allowed the girls to relax and get into a steady rhythm of play. The play was consistently in the Lions offensive end and it was just 4 minutes later when a second goal arrived. A cross into the box was cleared by the Pride defense, but only made it to the Lions defender Ashley Woolpert. Woolpert settled the ball and fired a long range shot from 40 yards out. The keeper had trouble handling the shot and it bounced off her and into the goal for a 2-0 Lions lead.
"I was pleased with our precision in the offensive third. We missed that last night. This evening, Alexis took over and was a constant threat throughout the game. She terrorized the Pride backline. Her efforts drew multiple defenders which really opened things up for our other attacking players. The only thing missing from her strong performance was the goal her play merited," said Head Coach Ian Richardson.
The halftime stats were pretty one-sided with the Lions leading 9-2 in shots and 5-0 in corner kicks. Coach Richardson was able to utilize his entire match day squad which allowed for fresh legs to start the second half. It took less than 10 minutes for another goal to be scored. Kiehl was dribbling across the top of the penalty area when she slotted a ball out wide. Danielle Rotheram crossed into middle and Blank got a shot off. The ball was knocked down by a defender's arm and was whistled for a penalty kick. Blank stepped up and hit an unstoppable shot into the top right corner. Lions led 3-0 at the 55 minute mark.
FC Pride did not give up, but they were not able to slow down the Lions. DDL FC kept possession and were able to get several additional quality chances. The Pride keeper made 5 second half saves. As the game was winding down, the Wright State connection got the final goal as Aaliyah Patten was able to dribble through and pull the ball back into the penalty spot area. College teammate, Mattie Cutts was coming across and was able to redirect the ball to the back post for the final score of the night.
A convincing 4-0 win leads to another 3 points and back-to-back shutouts posted for the defense.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Venue: Lawrence Soccer Complex
Weather: Clear, but hot and muggy
SCORING SUMMARY:
11' Dayton Dutch Lions - Meghan Blank (Micaela Powers assist)
15' Dayton Dutch Lions - Ashley Woolpert
55' Dayton Dutch Lions - Meghan Blank (penalty kick)
84' Dayton Dutch Lions - Mattie Cutts (Aaliyah Patten assist)
LINEUPS:
Dayton Dutch Lions FC: Steigerwald, White, Ravenna (Johnson 65'), Woolpert (Huber 65'), Powers (Schrubb 65'), Mazzella (Campbell 70'), Gogolin (K. Kiehl 60'), Rebus, A. Kiehl, Rotherham (Cutts 60'), Blank (Patten 67')
Subs: Leshnak, Campbell, K. Kiehl, Johnson, Huber, Schrubb, Cutts, Patten
TEAM NOTES:
Next match will be at home on Saturday, June 11th versus the Columbus Eagles at the Doc Stadium. The kickoff will be at 7:00pm.