Halfway through the USL PRO season, the Dayton Dutch Lions find themselves in position to make a run to secure on of the eight available spots in the playoffs. In order to solidify the roster down the stretch, Dayton has signed three new players. Matt Wiet (center back), Sean Teepen (goalkeeper), and Matt Griffin (outside back) will add needed depth at key positions in the defensive end of the field.
Matt Wiet is no stranger to soccer fans in Ohio. The homegrown player with the Columbus Crew won two national championships with the Crew Juniors, the 2010 USYS U-19 and the 2010 USL Super-20 League. Wiet was named to the 2009 Big Ten All-Freshman Team after making 20 starts for the Indiana Hoosiers. He then transferred to UCLA, where he started on the back line for three years and was the three-time recipient of NSCAA All-Region honors. He made four appearances with the Ventura County Fusion of the USL Premier Development League this season prior to joining the Dutch Lions.
“I hope to fill an organization role with the team, helping them to become stronger,” said Wiet. “I signed with the Dutch Lions because I wanted to play for a great club with a great staff. I really expect this team to make the playoffs and to make a run in the tournament.”
Wiet has already made an impact for the Dutch Lions. He was inserted into the starting lineup last Friday night against the Charlotte Eagles after only having trained with Dayton for two days. He put in a solid 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw, helping to keep the team organized on defense.
Sean Teepen was signed to shore up the goalkeeper position after an injury to Wieger de Wit. Teepen was an NSCAA All-Regional selection three times during his collegiate career with the University of Charleston. As a member of the USL PDL’s Michigan Bucks in 2012, he recorded four shutouts in seven appearances.
Teepen said, “I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door into the professional world, and I’m hoping that this opportunity can help get me to the next level and continue to progress. I hope to come in and work hard at training to help push [starting keeper] Matt Williams, myself, and the rest of the squad.”
Matt Griffin has been training with the Dutch Lions since the onset of the season. His hard work and commitment of the team have earned him a spot on the roster. Griffin was a three year starter at Robert Morris University.
The next home game for the Dutch Lions is Thursday, July 4. First kick is scheduled for 1:00 PM at Beavercreek High School. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketfly.com.