The Dayton Dutch Lions (3-4-0) reach the midpoint of the season sitting in 4th place of the Great Lakes Division. After a 2-0-0 start to the season, they have struggled to convert their scoring chances and the match against the Michigan Bucks (5-1-0) was no different as they fell 1-0. The Lions can walk off the pitch with the knowledge that they have given the Bucks their two best games so far this season.
Dayton played a 4-4-1-1 formation to give some support to the midfield and it worked very well the entire first half. They maintained their shape and spacing and gave the visitors very little space in the middle of the pitch. Though, the Bucks led in shots at half 8-2 and corner kicks 4-1, they were not able to create anything of danger on the offensive end. The shots that they did get off were handled easily by Lions GK, Michael Yantz (Fort Hays University/USA), as he made 5 routine saves.
Dayton was content to press on the wings and allow possession in the back third as they pushed on the counter attack. Several nice runs into the box lacked the final touch and they did not threaten the Bucks goal.
As the second half started, the Bucks had picked up their attack and were pushing their outside backs upfield more often. The pressure was intense and the Lions were very fortunate to clear several balls off the line. Yantz came up with back to back saves as the Bucks forwards pushed into the box. The Lions struggled to find any possession and were backed up against their goal. Dayton's defense continued to get in a final touch, clearance, block or save as Michigan was pushing with more fervor. It seemed as if it was just a matter of time and sure enough in the 74th minute, the Bucks outside left back played a nice give and go with the center mid and was clear just 10 yards from goal. His shot was hit hard and low far post and Yantz could not get his hand on it as it found the back post net.
The Lions did not fold as they created their best scoring chance just three minutes later. Amass Amankona (University of Dayton/Ghana) won the ball in midfield and took open space. He played a quick give and go and was open at the top of the penalty area. As he prepared to take a shot, the last Bucks defender rushed over and Amankona found a wide open Thomaz Freitas (Notre Dame College/Portugal) on the right wing. He hesitated for just a moment and the shot was blocked by a retreating defender.
"Soccer can be a bit of a harsh game sometimes," shared Head Coach Marcus Rixon. "I was pleased with the effort of our starting eleven as they executed the game plan very well and got us into halftime at 0-0. We just did not get a break here or there which would allow us to break through. It seemed as if every ball that looked like it was going to get through would be deflected or cleared at the last second. A bit disheartening for our lads, but they will bounce back. We have no time to fret as we are back at it in just 48 hours as we travel to Derby City on Friday. I expect us to get back on the winning side. These lads are working way too hard to not get some better results."
Here is a link to game pics..... https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AA4%2DI9h4nHS%5FoNM&id=E2BFB4B84547E771%2126441&cid=E2BFB4B84547E771
Date: 6/14/17
Stadium: DOC Stadium on the campus of West Carrollton HS
Attendance: 208
Weather: Humid with light rain
Referee: Eric Tattersall
DAYTON DUTCH LIONS: Yantz, Madhani, Petrey, Babaew, Amankwaah, Philpot (Dichlian-69'), van Geldorp, Amankona, Nasciemento (Sarkorh-79'), Freitas (Hernandez-63'), Raney (Al-Yassiri-63)
Unused Substitutes - Zimmerman, Roldham, Davalos
MICHIGAN BUCKS: Shepherd, Walker, Souahy, Morrell, Markowitz, Dunwell, Owens (Haupt-88'), de Olivera (Cerda-74'), Timmer (Kisombe-83'), Landell (Atuahagne-58'), Bevan (Ricci-50')
Unused Substitutes - Mwgmbia