NEW LEADERS IN THE GREAT LAKES DIVISION

West Carrollton, OH (May 23, 2017)  The Dayton Dutch Lions (2-0-0) men played a gritty match of soccer against the defending PDL champion Michigan Bucks (1-1-0) and came away with a 2-1 win.  The win set a franchise mark for the first DDL team to start the season with two consecutive victories.  It also set them atop of the Great Lakes Division.

Second half goals by substitutes, Gustavo Nascimento (Iowa Lakes/Brazil) and Hussin Al-Yassiri (Iowa/USA), in the 69th and 78th minutes gave the Lions a lead they would not relinquish.  Nascimento was able to steal the ball from the Bucks goalkeeper on the endline and curve in a very tough shot just under the crossbar.  Al-Yassiri was played through by captain, Glenn van Geldorp (Netherlands), was able to hold off a Bucks defender a hit a low screamer past the onrushing keeper.

It was a wonderful night for soccer and both teams were eager to get the match started.  The early possession belonged to the visitors as Dayton was content to maintain its defensive shape and keep the ball wide and pushing a high line for the backs.  This led to two early offsides for Michigan.

The Bucks did get the first solid scoring chance 17 minutes played when Daniel Makina was on the end of a give-and-go, but the low shot was saved nicely by Michael Yantz (Fort Hays State/USA).  The defending champs continued to maintain possession and just three minutes later had another good chance on goal.  Andre Landell dribbled into the box and was one-on-one with Yantz.  Yantz got a hand on the first shot and as Landell took a hit at the rebound Yantz pounced on the shot.  An outstanding double save to keep the game scoreless.

The remainder of the half was played mostly in the Lions defensive end, but they were able to stop any additional scoring chances.  The halftime score was 0-0 with Michigan dominating the stats.  They led in shots (5 with 4 on goal) and they had two corners as the Lions did not get a shot off.

Associate Head Coach Bruno Lopes shared, "I was pleased with the opening 45 minutes as we did not concede a goal while being under quite a bit of pressure; but at the same time we did not create any chances for ourselves.  Thus, we adjusted a few things in our strategy which allowed us to explore ways to be more offensive. As the second half went on, our three substitutions came in and executed what we spoke about."

The second half was much different as the Lions became more aggressive in winning possession and attacking along the flanks.  Nascimento entered the match at the 50' minute and immediately had an impact. He partnered with Antonio Hernandez (Iowa Lakes/USA) to get several shots on goal forcing the Bucks keeper to get in the action.  Amass Frederick (University of Dayton/Ghana) and van Geldorp started to take control of the midfield and the Lions were applying pressure all over the pitch.

In the 69' minute, the home team got on the board when van Geldorp played into box and Nascimento and the Bucks keeper both were on the sprint to get the ball.  The Bucks keeper got his hand on it, but bobbled it.  Nascimento pulled it away and fired a left footed shot just under the crossbar.  Goal and a 1-0 lead.

Coach Lopes sent Al-Yassiri onto the pitch in the 74' minute with instructions to stay on the last defender and to push the attack at every chance possible.  His teammates continued to maintain their shape and composure.  The game was opening up as both teams were eager to get the next goal.

"I felt that whoever scored the next goal would eventually win the match," said Lopes. "I believed that Hussin would give their tired defenders some trouble with his pace and physicality.  His goal was exactly what we needed as he followed his instructions perfectly."

After just five minutes on the pitch, Al-Yassiri was played into the attacking third by van Geldorp.  He took a touch as he entered the box and was holding off a Bucks defender.  He hit  a low shot past the onrushing goalkeeper and the Lions were ahead 2-0.

Michigan inserted two attacking players to create more push offensively and the final 20 minutes was spent mostly in the Lions half of the field.  The Bucks got off four shots with Yantz making three saves.  Jacob Bevan was able to score in the 84th minute to close the gap at 2-1.

The Lions brought on a couple players to put some fresh legs on the pitch.  They were able to withstand the final charges from the Bucks and the end of the match whistle was welcomed by all the Dutch Lions players and fans.

Michigan Bucks: Drew Shepherd, Alexi Souahy, Nick Walker, Mo Kaba, Daniel Mukuna (Haupt 62'), Tom Owens, Brad Dunwell (Ricci 74'), Ivo Cenda (Timmer 62'), Jordan Snell (Bevan 58'), Andre Landell ( de Oliveira 80'), Francis Atuahene

Subs: Anthony Mwembia, Nyal Higgins, James Haupt, Jared Timmer, Daniel de Oliveira, Jacob Bevan, Austin Ricci