The Dayton Dutch Lions Women's team played their last game of the 2013 W-League season last Friday night against the Carolina Elite Cobras. The lady Lions clinched the regular season title in the Southeastern Conference, giving them the right to host the Championship Playoff at home. The winner of that game would then advance to the 2013 W-League national championship in Bradenton, Florida.
Unfortunately, despite the hard work and the many chances in the second half, the lady lions lost the Championship playoff game with a one goal difference (1-2), but even with this loss the Dutch Lions women's team can look back at a successful season after a 5-3-3 record, the regular season title, Juliana Libertin having the most assists of the entire league, Emilie Fillion nominated as player of the week and several players nominated for team of the week throughout the season.
When we asked head coach Sid van Druenen for his opinion about the season he said "It was a very positive experience with good results. I would say a good season with a bitter taste at the end... We came so close to make it to the final 4 that it hurts not to be there... Definitely the toughest loss in my career..." van Druenen continued "But I think we did so much better then a lot of people would have expected, last season (2013) this team had 3 ties and lost all other games, so winning the regular season title and hosting the Championship playoff this year is very positive for the program and the club."
We also asked van Druenen what the next step is for the Dayton Dutch Lions Women's program, his answer was clear "First we will evaluate and then I expect that we keep building on this success. From this moment on we will start building a championship team, we got the taste of winning and next year we want to be at the National Championship and play for the W-League title."
For more information about this program please contact head coach and program director Sid van Druenen via e-mail s.vandruenen@daytondutchlionsfc.com. You can also visit the USL W-league website at http://www.wleaguesoccer.com/.