Wednesday, April 23, 2013
DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Dutch Lions claimed a win in dramatic fashion in their home opener against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds last Saturday evening, but the time to revel in the victory has come to an end. Dayton now turns its attention to the Sunshine State. A road trip to Florida this weekend will include games against VSI Tampa Bay and Orlando City on back to back dates.
First on the itinerary is a stop at Plant City Stadium, where the Dutch Lions will face VSI Tampa Bay at 8:00 PM on Friday, April 26. This is Tampa Bay’s first season in the league, but the roster is not short on USL PRO experience. VSI Tampa Bay will carry a record of 3-2-0 into the contest against the Dutch Lions, including a perfect 2-0 record at home in Plant City Stadium.
The Dutch Lions will square off against Orlando City on Fifth Third Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl at 7:30 PM on Saturday, April 27. Orlando currently sits atop the USL PRO standings with 10 points resulting from a 3-1-1 record. Like Dayton’s other opponent this weekend, Orlando City has an unblemished 2-0 record at home.
"It's obviously going to be a really tough road trip with back-to-back games and both opponents occupying
top spots in the table, but it's one we're excited for because it gives us a chance to test ourselves against
the best," said Dayton captain Joel DeLass. "We overcame some tough circumstances in our opener and
hope to build off that as we head into two hostile environments and face two top-quality opponents.
It won't be easy, but if we want to find ourselves in the playoff race at the end of the season,
we need to find ways to get results on the road against the best teams in the league."
Dayton’s next home game will be played against the Charleston Battery on May 3 at 7:00 PM at Beavercreek High School. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the Dayton Dutch Lions FC, please visit http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/225675?skinName=tfly&wrKey=854A1E4F2AB5DAFCB0C6AD34985C39E5.