DAYTON, OH - The Dayton Dutch Lions FC have added 3 US players to the 2012 USL Pro roster. Knotek, DeGroot and Preciado were scouted at the November 2011 try-out in Ohio.
The three signings are former FC Bridges' standouts Kyle Knotek (left), Jeff DeGroot (middle) and Greg Preciado (right).
Midfielder Knotek attended Geneva Highschool. "One of the top technically proficient players in the state," according to the Chicago Tribune. Senior co-captain earned first-team all-area honors from both the Chicago Sun-Times and Aurora Beacon News. Three-time first-team All-Suburban Prairie Conference choice was also IHSSCA All-Sectional honoree during his sophomore and junior campaigns.
Kyle Knotek second-most experienced player on the Northern Illinois roster, he has started 48 of the 52 matches in which he’s played. Last year, as a junior, Knotek started 20 of 21 matches, including all three MAC Tournament games.
The Huskies held their opponents scoreless for 285 minutes of that tournament with Knotek anchoring the backline. During his sophomore season, Knotek played an integral role on a team that upended No. 9 Northwestern and assisted two goals. As a freshman for the Huskies’ 2006 MAC Championship team, Knotek played in 14 matches, and started in 11, including the MAC title game, and both NCAA Tournament matches.
The second signing this week concerns Jeff DeGroot. For the last 3 years, Jeff has coached throughout the Chicago area. Jeff has held various soccer positions within US soccer organizations, including Ela Soccer Club.
Jeff is a graduate of the University of DePaul and holds a bachelors degree in secondary education with a concentration in History. He played for DePaul University in the NCAA Division One from 2004-2007. Jeff joined Ela Elite U23 from 2005 - 2008 and won a USASA National Championship. He joined the Hansa staff in 2010. Currently he is a coach at Schwaben A.C. and plays for the first team at the club.
The third asset to the USL Pro Team is Greg Preciado. Prior to his coaching career, Greg had an outstanding playing career at both WWCC and Evergreen College. An All-Conference player at both colleges. Greg led the Geoducks to a National Final Four appearance his senior year. Greg then went on to play professionally in Mexico where he spent a year playing and training. Greg has also been a member of the PDL Indiana Invaders.
Quoting Preciado's former Coach Bodnar, "Having worked with Greg as a player, I know he possesses a great deal of pride in what he does. He is a hard working individual."
Dayton Dutch Lions FC are happy with signing these three talents, and are looking forward to working with the well experienced and dedicated pro players.