The Dayton Dutch Lions FC defeated Lincoln Memorial University in a preseason exhibition at the Miami Valley School on Sunday, April 7. The match against the Railsplitters was the third contest against local universities that the Dutch Lions have played in preparation for the upcoming USL PRO regular season. The victory raised the Dutch Lions’ preseason record to 2-0-1.
The Dutch Lions controlled the action in the first half, resulting in a 3-0 halftime lead. Taylor Lord scored his first goal for the Dutch Lions after receiving a well-served corner kick from Gibson Bardsley. Also scoring for the first time in a Dutch Lions uniform was Shintaro Harada. Harada was assisted by Lord. The goals continued for the Dutch Lions when Eric Kissinger placed an accurate pass to Brandon Swartzendruber near the top of the box. Swartzendruber was able to find the net through heavy traffic.
The second half was more evenly contested. Lincoln Memorial avoided being shutout when a shot careened of the crossbar and a Railsplitter rifled the rebound into the back of the net. Neither side was able to create many more opportunities. The final score was 3-1 in favor of the Dutch Lions.
“In the first half we played with good pace and made good decisions, which created a lot of scoring chances,” said Patrick Bal, Dutch Lions’ Head Coach. “We seemed to lose momentum in the second half, playing with a big lead. This was a step in the right direction but we still need to demonstrate the ability to play a full 90 minutes.”
The Dayton Dutch Lions head to Rio Grande College on Tuesday, April 9 for their next preseason competition. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC kicks off its season at home against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Beavercreek High School Stadium. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the Dayton Dutch Lions FC, please visit www.daytondutchlionsfc.com.