The Women Dayton Dutch Lions are poised to make a strong run in their first year of play in the Women's Premier Soccer League. First-year Head Coach Ian Richardson has spent close to 8 weeks finding the players who he believes will give him a solid chance to make a strong run in the playoffs this summer. With a roster of 23, he is happy with both the qualityof talent and overall mix of experience.
The summer signing that brings the most experience is University of Wisconsin forward Rose Lavelle. Lavelle, a member of the current U.S. National team roster, was initially called up to train and participate with the full U.S. Women's National Team for the final four matches of its Victory Tour in December of 2015. She then trained with the U.S. Women's National Team prior to its friendly against Ireland in January, 2016. Most recently she was in training camp with the U.S. U-23 WNT in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier this month. She will join up with the National team for the upcoming games against Japan at the start of June.
"I'm delighted to have a player of Rose's caliber and professionalism in the group. She's a great addition to the roster and will elevate the level of our team on a daily basis", said Richardson.
Lavelle played her club soccer in the Cincinnati area with Cincinnati United Premier Soccer club and spent the last two seasons with the Dayton Dutch Lions FC.
"I am very excited to be back with DDL FC this summer and being able to play near home. It's a great opportunity to get on the field with some players I've grown up playing with and against. I'm looking forward to playing with some new faces as well", shared Lavelle.
Lavelle scored the Dutch Lions opening goal in Sunday's 4-2 victory over St. Louis Fire & Ice at DOC stadium. She added an assist later in the match and was selected the Hope Springs Player of the Match.
Richardson has surrounded Lavelle with plenty of additional Division I and International players. The starting roster for the home opener included Wake Forest players, Bayley Feist and Katie Ravenna, Lorina White from Ball State, Vanessa Gilles from University of Cincinnati, Katie Murray from University of Illinois, Ashley Woolpert from West Virginia University, Alex Steigerwald from Murray State and University of Dayton Meghan Blank. Canadian internationals, Veronica Mazzella and Danielle Rotheram rounded out the starting XI.
The ladies have two road matches before returning to West Carrollton June 11th for a 7pm kick off against the Columbus Eagles. Tickets can be purchased online or prior to the game or at the gate.