Friday, May 31, 2013
DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Dutch Lions had a good run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, but were eliminated in the third round by the Columbus Crew by a final of 2-1. Although Dayton played down a man for the majority of the contest, Columbus didn’t score the game-winning goal until the 84th minute. The exit from the Open Cup tournament means that the Dutch Lions can give their full focus to the next USL PRO matchup against the Los Angeles Blues at home on Sunday evening.
“I think the biggest thing the team needs to realize from the Columbus match is the potential we have,” said Dutch Lions captain Joel DeLass. “Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but the mentality, the focus, and the heart that we showed throughout that game was at a higher level than it’s been all season. If we can find a way to play at that level within our league, I think we will set ourselves up for a lot of success.”
This will be the first meeting between Dayton and Los Angeles this season, but the teams are quite familiar with one another. Until the addition of Phoenix FC, the Dutch Lions were the Blues’ closest neighbor in USL PRO. The teams met three times in 2012. Los Angeles prevailed in all three contests by a score of 1-0. Dayton will be looking to turn the tables in 2013.
DeLass stated, “Last season we came out really flat [against Los Angeles] during both of our games on the road. I think the most important thing for us this weekend is to make sure we don’t have any hangover or let downs from the level we just played against the Crew. We need to come out focused on getting a win and play like this is the most important game of the season.”
The team that will welcome the Blues to Dayton on Sunday is much improved over last year’s squad. With a record of 4-2-1, the Dutch Lions have already equaled the number of wins from 2012. Improved depth in the midfield and on the front line has resulted in Dayton scoring goals at twice the pace that they averaged last season.
Los Angeles has also improved. At 5-5-2, the Blues sit in fourth place in the league standings before beginning the upcoming road trip that starts with a stop in Rochester prior to the visit to Dayton. George Davis has made significant contributions to the Blues’ success. The former Dutch Lions forward has scored three goals in ten appearances for Los Angeles this season.
The match between the Dayton and Los Angeles will be played at Beavercreek High School at 6:30 PM on Sunday, June 2.