Season Finale

DAYTON, Ohio – The last match of the regular season for the Dayton Dutch Lions (8-3-3)  was a bit anti-climatic as they had already secured the Great Lakes Division title and guaranteed a playoff spot in Des Moines, Iowa.  It allowed Coach Dan Griest to utilize his entire roster as five players got their first start of the season and another four saw their first minutes of the year versus Lansing United. Lansing (7-2-5) won 3-0 in a strong battle and finished second in the division.

“It was nice to come into the match knowing we had everything locked up," Coach Griest said. "Lansing needed a win to get into the playoffs  and I needed to see some playoff players in a big match. We started the match very well and had several chances to score.  Unfortunately, we did not find the back of the net and Lansing played well to get the result they needed.”

The Lions from the opening whistle were on the attack and had the better of the play for the first 15 minutes. Emiel Wendt (Netherlands/v.v. Noordwijk) had a great chance as he chipped the keeper, but his shot hit the crossbar and stayed out. Just as it appeared that the Lions were taking control Lansing earned a corner kick off a deflected shot.

A Lansing attacker opened the scoring for United in the 18th minute when he headed in a cross over the keeper sent in on a corner kick.  The Lions seemed to have everyone marked, but the attacker outjumped everyone to get to the ball.

Lansing went into halftime leading 1 – 0.

Within three minutes of the second half, United added two more goals to their lead. In the 47th minute, a Lansing attacker was dribbling into the box, he beat the defender and the keeper for an open net goal. United added to the lead a minute later when a long through ball was collected in the box and shot into the back of the net.

Both teams utilized all of their substitutions in the second half as they prepared for the playoffs in just 5 days.  The final whistle came with Lansing getting the win they needed at 3-0.  The Lions battled the entire match, but could not get the final touch to get on the scoreboard.

"I thought we played some good soccer, we had some chances,"Griest shared. "We just did not finish and as the game went on it became more and more difficult. It was not the way we wanted to end the season, but at the same time we are very pleased with our effort today and with our performance throughout the year."

"We set numerous firsts for the club at the PDL level and I am proud of what we have accomplished so far.  We are not done though...we look to have an impact at the playoffs.  It is exciting to be part of the final 16 teams that are still playing.  We are part of an elite group now and we will work to advance further."

RELATED: GREAT LAKES DIVISION STANDINGS

Dayton is the top seed from the Great Lakes divison and will play Chicago FC United at 4:30 pm on Friday, July 20th.  Lansing will play the host Des Moines Menance in the second match of the evening.  The Conference championship will be played on Saturday at 7:30 pm.