The Dutch Lions are pleased to announce three returning men’s team players for their 2013 USL PRO roster. Returning are midfielder Kyle Knotek, right back/midfielder Taylor Lord and defender Gregory Preciado. All three players were scouted at the November 2011 Dayton Dutch Lions tryouts held in Ohio. Knotek, Lord and Preciado will join returning players Eli Garner, Eric Kissinger and Shane Smith (announced last week).
25-year-old Knotek returns to Dayton for his second season as a professional player for the Dutch Lions. Prior to playing for the Dutch Lions, Knotek played for Chicago Magic, Chicago Fire, FC Bridges and for Northern Illinois University. The Chicago Tribune dubbed him “one of the top technically proficient players in the state [of Illinois].” Upon returning to the 2013 Dutch Lions FC roster, Knotek stated, “I’m very exciting to work with the returning coaching staff and players. I like the [Dutch] style of play. I expect nothing but the best from the entire organization. We have the potential to be on top of the league.”
Canadian player, Taylor Lord also returns to the 2013 Dutch Lions roster. The 22-year-old from Ontario formerly played for the Canadian U20 and U23 national teams and clubs such as SV Morlautern, Serbian White Eagles, AS Monaco and Toronto Lynch. When asked why he chose to return to play for the Dutch Lions, Lord states, “I chose to come back to continue my progression as a player and to make more of an impact on the team this season. I expect a tough season this year, with two new teams [joining the USL PRO league]. Having one season under my belt makes me more aware of what to expect this coming season.”
30-year-old Gregory Preciado from Walla Walla, Washington is happy to be returning to the Dutch Lions FC roster as well. Prior to his professional debut with the Dutch Lions last season, Preciado played for clubs such as Indiana Invaders FC, Lobos de la BUAP and Bridges FC. Preciado states, “I’ve been treated well here and I respect the honesty of the club. I really enjoy the [Dutch style] that we play because not only does it entertain our fans, it’s a challenge to play in that style. I’ll be more experienced this year so I can bring confidence and leadership to my team mates. We ended last season on a high note and that’s where I would like to begin in the upcoming season. It will not be easy, but with the support from our fans I have high hopes of another U.S. Open Cup run and league playoff run.”
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 or for the entire home game season, 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.