First year Dayton Dutch Lions Head Coach Sid van Druenen watched every pass, trap, and shot at the 2014 USL Pro Combine this past weekend in Tampa, Florida looking for that diamond in the rough that may one day wear the Orange of the Dayton Dutch Lions.
Coach Van Druenen was in search of new talent as he takes the team in a new direction in 2014. Over 100 participants from all levels of soccer competed in a series of matches over four days at the fabled IMG Academy Training grounds hoping to catch the eye of USL Pro, MSL and international scouts. During his return flight he reflected on what he saw. “It gave me a opportunity to see little over 100 players in 2 days. And, like in the past, we will invite some of the players for our 2 day invitational camp and maybe end up signing some of them.” He added that the intention is to bring in group of players that play the game the way the Dutch Lions are known for. “I expected to see top college and PDL players playing in a competitive environment and was hoping to find a few players that fit in our playing style.”
With just about 2 months before the season opener, the Dutch Lions staff is prepping a roster in expectations for a deep run in the USL Pro playoffs! “We still have some roster spots open so I took an overall look at all the guys. It (Combine) was a great tool for us!”