Dayton, OH, 6/3, 2018 - Dayton Dutch Lions FC (4-0-1) jump to the top of the Great Lakes division with 3-1 win over visiting Derby City Rovers (0-4-1). Tate Robertson (Springfield, OH/Bowling Green) had a brace sandwiched around Jackson Dietrich's (Las Vegas, NV/Wright State) fourth goal of the season. The DDL duo are currently the second and third leading scorers in the Premier Development League.
Starting XI : Stovall, Barrios, Schluter, Dietrich, Mowery, Barkow, Robertson, Bayo, Lianes, Lenius, Slade
Match Day #5 was played in hot and humid conditions for the afternoon kickoff. This impacted the players as the match progressed with the turf being extremely hot. The opening minutes was a lackluster midfield battle with neither team creating any opportunities until the 14th minute and when the Lions got on the scoreboard. Dietrich won a ball near midfield and was able to release David Lianes (Spain/Dayton) down the left flank. He was able to beat the defender and make a perfect cross that was played low across the goalie box. Robertson was first to the ball and tapped the cross into the net for a 1-0 lead.
The goal seemed to breathe life into the Lions attack as they took control of the match. The backline pushed up with a higher line, breaking up the counter attacks and winning the 50-50 balls. The midfield maintained possession and were switching the point of attack. The Robertson & Dietrich combo were finding each other more and more. This led to a second goal in the 4oth minute. Dietrich took a ball near the half-line and found Robertson upfield. As Robertson held onto the ball, Dietrich was running off of him and Tate passed right into his path. Dietrich hit a one-time left footed screamer just inside the right post. The Rovers keeper had no chance and the Lions doubled their lead 2-0.
With the half almost over and less than a minute of stoppage time, the Rovers got one back as the Lions miscommunicated. The Rovers left wing played a long looping cross to the far post. With no one talking, the ball fell inside the six between a Lions defender and keeper. A Derby City player got to the ball and poked it into the net for a 2-1 halftime score.
"We played a strong 45 minutes and then let our opponents back in the game. It was very disappointing, but I liked our overall effort," said Head Coach Dan Griest. "I stressed during halftime that we needed to keep with our game plan; keep pressing, utilize the flanks and take advantage of our speed up top."
The Lions brought on two attacking substitutes at halftime with Emiel Wendt (Netherlands/v.v. Noordwijk) and Jacob Moore (Ashland, MO/Oakland) taking the pitch. The fresh legs gave the Lions an edge as they continued to dominate possession. Wendt played up top with Robertson playing under him. The Lions were creating chances when Moore was played through. His first touch allowed him to cross in front of the defender whose challenge took Moore down. The referee pointed to the penalty spot. Robertson and Dietrich both looked to take the penalty and decided with a quick round of "rock-paper-scissors". Robertson stepped up and shot high and wide.
The visitors got their best chance of the second half when a Derby forward battled with Jake Stovall (Centerville, OH/Puerto Rico FC) outside the box. Stovall appeared to be pushed to the ground as the opponent broke free towards goal. Federico Barrios (Columbia/Dayton) was quick to leave his line, shut down the angle and push the shot wide of the goal. This save was voted the PDL Save of the week.
With the Lions continuing to push forward, they were rewarded with a third goal. A throw-in on the right flank saw Jalim Bayo (Columbus, OH/Wright State) cut inside at the corner of the 18. He made a square pass to Wendt who dropped the ball back to Robertson. Robertson took a quick touch that gave him enough space to curl a shot into the upper corner. The 3-1 lead was the final score and the Lions had the club's first four game winning streak.
Stovall was selected Man of the Match. Coach Griest shared, "Jake really directed our back line tonight. His leadership and spacing were outstanding. He made several vital interceptions and was dominate in the air. He really led our team to victory."
The Lions next match is Saturday, June 9 at home versus Lansing United. Kickoff is at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10 adults and $6 youth, military and veterans at the gate (5 and under free). Specially priced discounted tickets are available for groups of 12 or more by calling the ticket office at 937 530 2123.
To keep up with all the latest news on the Lions, follow us on Facebook @DaytonDutchLionsFC and on Twitter @DaytonDutchLion.
FULL MATCH STATS 6/3 Lions vs. Derby City full game stats
MATCH SUMMARY
Venue: DOC Stadium, West Carrollton, OH
Referee: Luke Sobota
Attendance: 228
LINEUPS:
Dayton Dutch Lions FC: Barrios, Schluter (Hughes 66'), Stovall (Williamson 84'), Slade, Lianesd, Dietrich (Ravera 80'), Mowery, Lenius (Moore 45'), Bayo (Deroy 76'), Barkow (Wendt 45'), Robertson. Unused substitute: Steele
Derby City Rovers: Meyer, Morgan, Fofana, Paulin, Miranda, Wilk, Doublette (Merzehich 73') Luke (Hussein 84'), Barth (Green 84'), Monheimer
SCORING SUMMARY
DDL - Robertson, 14' (Lianes)
DDL - Dietrich, 40' (Robertson)
DCR - Wilk, 45' (Smith)
DDL - Robertson, 75' (Bayo, Wendt)
DISCIPLINE
DCR - Will, 31' Unsporting Behavior
DDL - Schluter, 46' Unsporting Behavior
DCR - Paulin, 64' Unsporting Behavior