DAYTON, OH — The Dayton Dutch Lions FC are happy to announce that they have re-signed Joel DeLass and Shane Smith for the 2012 USL Pro season. Midfielder DeLass has played 22 games in the 2011 season. Defender Shane Smith wrote down 19 games last season for the orange professional club.
The Spring Lake, Michigan native has played for the Charlotte Eagles in the USL-2 and Wheaton College (IL). DeLass made his début in the USL Pro last year under management of Head Coach Ivar van Dinteren.
Joel DeLass has been playing 1927 minutes and wrote down 1 assist from the midfiield. The reason 25-year old DeLass initially decided to play for Dayton was because it was closer to home and he has always wanted to be a part of helping soccer grow in the Midwest.
Even more important, there were primarily two reasons he joined the USL Pro Team of the DDL FC. First, he was very impressed with the organization as a whole. Second, the Dutch Lions FC system and style of play turned out to be very complimentary to his own.
Left back Shane Smith is another great asset to the USL Pro team. He played 1179 minutes for the 2011 DDL FC season.
26-year old Smith will use the experience that he picked up from last year and his former clubs Houston Leones and Alamo City Warriors.
Dayton Dutch Lions FC are happy to welcome the players, and work with them on and off the pitch with the great motivation and mentality they have shown so far.