(West Carrollton, OH 7/8/17) The WPSL Dayton Dutch Lions (2-5-1) finished the season with a 7-1 loss to the Fire & Ice SC (6-0-0). The win clinched the Valley division crown and the playoff birth that goes with it for the visitors. Similar to last year for the Lions, Fire & Ice put their stamp on the conference with six straight wins which garnered the title with two games left to play.
The Lions were supported by a crowd in excess of 200 on "Spirit Stick" giveaway night and they started the match with energy. They created the early opportunities with several crosses into dangerous spots, but the final touch could not be found. After earning several corner kicks and playing most of the soccer on the offensive end of the pitch the Lions got caught on the counter attack. Fire & Ice utilized their speed on the flank and were able to get behind the defense on the right endline. A low cross was met at the near post and pushed past an onrushing Anna Hall in goal. The 1-0 lead instantly switched the momentum and the Lions struggled to maintain any possession. Fire & Ice took advantage and doubled the lead at the 13 minute mark when their right wing was able to cut into the box and square the ball into the penalty area. The Fire & Ice striker shot far post and put the visitors up 2-0.
The Lions started to settle down a bit and work for each other. This provided much better spacing and easier passing lanes. This led to more possession and chances to score were being created again. Several chances could not be converted, but in the 31st minute the Lions finally broke through. Olivia Brown won a ball just inside midfield and took off on the dribble. Abigail Zoeller was making a strong run down the right side. Brown split the defenders with her pass which was weighted perfectly into Zoeller's path. Her first shot was blocked nicely by the Fire & Ice keeper, but Zoeller settled the rebound and slotted it near post to cut the lead to 2-1.
This was the first goal conceded by the visitors as they came into the match with 5 straight shutouts in their undefeated season to date. The Lions looked to gain some confidence and were winning more of the 50-50 balls, tackling a bit stronger and passing with better purpose.
Any momentum that was building was stolen by one shot.....one long shot. Fire & Ice were on the counter and the ball was easily cleared out by Payton Atkins. The ball was collected in midfield by a Fire & Ice midfielder who struck a rocket from 35 yards out that sailed into the top of the net restoring their two goal lead at 3-1. The goal was against the run of play and came out of nowhere. The Lions struggled the rest of the opening period fighting to get to the halftime whistle. In stoppage time of the first half, Fire & Ice struck again using their speed on the wings and pushing the halftime score to 4-1.
Unfortunately, the Lions played sluggish and tired the second half giving up additional goals in the 66th, 76th and 81st minutes.
Scoring Summary:
F&I - 7' minute ~ K. Medelberg (K.Utley) 1-0
F&I - 13' minute ~ T. Sullivan (K. Medleberg) 2-0
DDL-31' minute ~ A. Zoeller (O. Brown) 2-1
F&I - 37' minute ~ K. Dinges 3-1
F&I - 45' minute ~ T. Sullivan (K. Hessel) 4-1
F&I - 66' minute ~ K. Utley (K. Dinges) 5-1
F&I - 76' minute ~ K. Opfer (K. Utley) 6-1
F&I - 81' minute ~ T. Sullivan (S. Gorham) 7-1