The Dayton Dutch Lions FC is pleased to announce their home venue for the 2013 season. The Dutch Lions have partnered with Beavercreek High School to play at their stadium, known as Miami Valley Hospital Stadium, for all 14 men’s team home games. Two of those games (June 28 and July 14) will include double-headers with the Dutch Lions’ W-League Team.
The Dutch Lions are also very happy to announce three returning USL Pro men’s team players for their 2013 roster. Returning are forward Eli Garner, left back Shane Smith and midfielder Eric Kissinger.
21-year-old clinical finisher Eli Garner from Hillsborough, NC returns in 2013 after a great debut season with The Dayton Dutch Lions. His performance last season during the U.S. Open Cup tournament was a highlight of Garner’s 2012 season. Following the Dutch Lions’ victory over MLS’ Columbus Crew (allowing the Dutch Lions to advance to the quarterfinals against MLS team Sporting Kansas City), Garner was invited to try out for The Crew. 2013 Coach Patrick Bal says, “He performed great [in 2012] and we are excited to have his speed and creativity back on our roster.”
27-year-old midfielder Eric Kissinger also returns to the 2013 Dutch Lions roster for a fourth year. Kissinger has been a Dayton local since his freshman year of high school and was recently named head coach of the varsity boys’ soccer team at his alma mater, The Miami Valley School. Kissinger has also been a coach in the Dutch Lions’ youth academy and a pro player since he made his debut on the Dutch Lions’ PDL team in 2010. Says Kissinger, “I chose the Dayton Dutch Lions because it’s a young, promising club with lots of potential for growth. We made a strong run in the U.S. Open Cup last year. [This season] I expect a good squad to be ready to play possession style soccer and work hard [to] make it into the playoffs this year.”
Left Back Shane Smith from Casa Grande, AZ is another great asset to be returning to the Dayton Dutch Lions roster. 27-year-old Smith made his professional debut with the Dayton Dutch Lions two years ago. When asked why he chose to return to the Dutch Lions for a third season, Smith stated, “Playing for the Dutch Lions the past two seasons, I have improved so much technically and grown more confident as a player. I felt another season with [the team] will help me improve my game that much more and will give me a chance to be more of a leader this upcoming season.” Smith has also joined the Dutch Lions’ youth academy staff as of January 2013.
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC will host The Pittsburgh Riverhounds for their home opening match at Beavercreek High School Stadium on Saturday, April 20. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets to an individual game ($12 for adults/$6 for youth) or for the entire 14 home game season ($100 for adults/$50 for youth), please visit www.daytondutchlionsfc.com.
For sponsorship or advertising opportunities with the team, please contact Koen Driessen at k.driessen@daytondutchlionsfc.com or by calling 937-760-6067.