CHARLOTTE, NC — The Dayton Dutch Lions tied the first match of the 2012 USL PRO season. The hard fought battle ended in a 0-0 draw.
Head Coach Ivar van Dinteren is happy with the way the team continued playing the tactical game. "The tactical way of playing the Dutch style kept the Eagles from scoring, and created the best opportunities especially in the second half. I think we deserved at least one pk. I am proud of the way the team sticked to our tactical plan. It is a good start and I am exited to get our first win."
Dayton tested the Eagles defense early, winning the first corner kick of the night. The Eagles back line quickly adjusted and had no trouble cleaning up the play. After only 9 minutes Dayton talmost scored when an attack bounced off the far post just missing the net. The game found its rhythm, 20 minutes in. Each team getting glimpses of their opponent’s net but nothing serious.
With a 0-0 draw at halftime, the Lions planned to stick to the tacticl plan, coached by Head Coach Ivar van Dinteren. The second half started off strong and in the 53rd minute, Dayton had created a chance of the night with a clear shot on goal. The Lions didn't manage to finish.
Juan Guzman received the first yellow card of the match in the 56th minute. Dayton’s free kick that followed provided a great opportunity but Eagles' goalie Eric Reed made a good save. Dayton went to the bench with the first substitute of the night, Brett Jones relieving Mikael McNamara.
Gibson Bardsley received Dayton’s first yellow card of the night in the 62nd minute. Both teams began using their substitutes early looking for someone to step up and make a play.
Akeem Priestly tested Reed in the 68th minute with a rocket shot 20 yards out. Reed made a nice block but needed some assistance with the clear.
With just 6 minutes left in the game the pressure began to mount. Mettin Coppier drawed Dayton’s second yellow card of the night. The free kick by the Eagles was no danger for the Lions, as it was blasted into the wall and cleared.
After a fairly fought battle neither side was able to find the back of the net, with an outcome of a 0-0 draw.