The Dayton Dutch Lions are proud to announce that Michael Yantz and Amass Amankona have been named to the PDL’s 2017 All-Central Conference Team. The Central Conference’s best Starting XI were voted on by the members of the conference. The Lions joined playoff qualifiers, Michigan Bucks, Thunder Bay Chill, and Des Moines Menace with two selections.

Michael Yantz earns top keeper of the Central Conference honors after leading the conference with 82 saves, which was second-most across the entire PDL. His strong play in goal was crucial to Dayton’s success this season, as he recorded a .837 save percentage. Yantz played in 13 games as the Dutch Lions’ keeper, recording 1,131 minutes played.

Amass Amankona was selected to the All-Central Conference’s Starting XI for his strong play in the midfield. Amankona, who ranked in the top 20 all season of the PDL Prospects list, was an anchor for the Dutch Lions in the middle and made an instant impact after joining the team in June.  Amass played 10 games for the Dutch Lions and recorded 894 minutes played.

“We are delighted to have these two players recognized by their peers as they both had outstanding seasons for us,” said DDL Assistant Coach Bruno Lopes. “Even though we did not have the record we desired as a team, these two gave us their very best every day in practice and on game day.  They are so deserving of this honor and I could not be more pleased for them.”

“Michael was brilliant all season and made several great saves each match.  You look for your keeper to do something special every so often - Michael did it every game.  His ability to control his box, his distribution and shot stopping are excellent. He has the tools to play at the next level.”

“Amass came to us right after the start of the season and from the get go made us a better team.  His ability to see the pitch, hold on to the ball and make the right pass were top-notch.  He is a gifted player, but more importantly was a great teammate.  He does all the little things to make his mates better and that was his greatest contribution.”

In four seasons of PDL play, Amankona and Yantz join 2010 selection Oscar Moens as the only Lions selected to the All-Conference team.

The proven developmental leader in North American soccer's tiered structure, the Premier Development League features 72 franchises in four conferences throughout the United States and Canada, including 19 clubs that are owned and operated by a professional club, or that hold a partnership with a professional club. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world, with nearly 70 percent of all MLS selections since 2010 having PDL experience.