PLAYOFF = TOUGH LOSS

Des Moines, IA (July 20, 2018) - The Dayton Dutch Lions' first ever playoff match ends in a 5-3 loss against the Chicago FC United. Dayton struggled the entire match to get any rhythm of play, but gave a strong effort and were in a position to win the match at halftime as they led 3-1. Unfortunately, Chicago scored four unanswered goals in the second half to complete a remarkable comeback to advance to the Central Conference Championship.

NOTE: Chicago went on to avenge 4 regular season losses to Des Moines Menace with a 1-0 victory to qualify for the PDL semifinals.

The Lions started the match in their familiar 4-3-3 formation, but did have a couple new starters due to the departure of players who had to head home prior to the fall season.

"We have been fortunate all year to have minimum injuries and the majority of our players available for game selection," shared Head Coach Dan Griest. "This past week we did see 3 starters have to return home prior to their college season.  This is the reason we have been training with 35-40 guys all year, so that when the need arises our depth is available.  We got important game minutes for these players last Sunday in our last match and was hoping it would bring some familiarity today."

"But regrettably, we never played our game. Even when we scored and took the lead it was not our best soccer.  During the playoffs, you have to play your best to advance and though our effort was good, we could not execute at the level needed to make the final. We have not conceded 4 goals in a match let alone a half. Congratulations to Chicago on their win and we wish them the best in the final."

The Lions started with early possession as they had two shots on goal and earned two corner kicks in the first ten minutes.  Chicago was countering with long through balls that led to three offsides during that same time period.  Slowly the momentum turned as Dayton struggled to connect their passes and Chicago started to push up the field.  This led to Chicago spending more time in the offensive third of the pitch. Jack Steele (Springboro, OH/Dayton) was able to handle the early shots and corner kicks presented, but in the 28' minute Chicago broke the deadlock.  The right wing was able to get to the endline and cross the ball into the penalty area.  The first shot was deflected, but the rebound fell to a Chicago attacker who hammered it home for the 1-0 lead.

The Lions responed to the goal  by pushing forward with high pressure.   Antoine Ravera (France/Urbana) earned a dangerous free kick outside the penalty area as he was cut down trying to hold the ball. Tate Robertson (Springfield, OH/Bowling Green) was able to strike a low shot to the far corner that slid by the wall, eluded the Chicago keeper and into the net.  So just two minutes passed and the Lions were able to tie the match 1-1.  It was Robertson's 7th goal of the season.

Dayton continued to stay active on the attack and looked to have the momentum.  In the 40' minute, Robertson chipped a ball in the middle that Ravera knocked down, but could not collect.  A Chicago defender came to clear the ball, but was challenged by JJ Williams (Montgomery, AL/Kentucky) and the ball popped loose.  Williams shot first-time and slotted the ball off the inside of the right post for a 2-1 lead.  This was William's team-leading 8th goal of the season.

As the second half started to wind down and less than a minute of stoppage time left, Dayton earned a throw-in deep in Chicago territory.  Jake Stovall (Centerville, OH/Puerto Rico FC) fired in a long throw-in towards the center of the box.  As Williams attempted to head the ball, a Chicago defender jumped onto his back pushing him to the ground.  The referee was watching and whistled for a penalty kick.

Jackson Dietrich (Las Vegas, NV/Wright State) was given the ball and he sent the keeper the wrong way scoring easily and giving the Lions a 3-1 halftime lead.  This was Dietrich's 7th goal of the season.

Dayton went to the locker room with a two goal advantage, the momentum and having their three top goalscorers on the board.

"I do not believe that we felt the game was over at halftime, but our energy in the second half was wanting," said Coach Griest. "I encouraged the boys to play all out for the final 45 minutes and to leave it all on the pitch. For some reason, we did not match the intensity of Chicago and it cost us. "

"Never in my wildest imagination did I see this type of comeback happening.  It was difficult to watch and a terrible way to end the season. At the same time, it does not diminish what this group of guys accomplished this year.  We made history for the club, we won arguably the toughest division in the PDL and when you go game-by-game we were in first place for the entire season.  I am very proud to have coached this group of Dayton Dutch Lions."

The second half started slowly with neither team gaining any advantage and then just eight minutes in Chicago got the break they needed.  They got a cross into the box and the shot was blocked by Steele. As the ball was moving out of the box Robertson and a Chicago player fought for possession and the Chicago player went down.  The referee called for a penalty kick agains the Lions and Chicago scored to close the gap to 3-2.

With Chicago looking for an equalizer, the field started to get stretched as Chicago was attacking with pace at every opportunity.  The play was end-to-end with very little build up.  Dayton appeared to get some heavy legs as it was becoming more and more difficult for them to track back on the counter attack.  Chicago was able to fine an equalizer in the 70' minute.  The left wing beat two Lions off the dribble and crossed into the box where it was volleyed home.  The score was tied with 20 minutes to play.

Both teams had brought on several substitutions to impact the final minutes and each had some half chances.  As the game entered the final 10 minutes of regulation, Chicago was able to maintain possession and were finding some openings.  In the 82' minute, they took the lead for good.  The left wing was able to find space and placed a long cross into the penalty area.  A Chicago attacker was able to get his head on the ball and beat Steele giving them a 4-3 lead.

As the Lions chased the game and pushed eight players forward, they could not generate any real chances.  The referee announced 4 minutes of stoppage time giving the Lions a small lifeline.

Each time that Chicago won possession they worked the ball to the corners of the pitch to run the game out.  In the final minute of play, Chicago dribbled out of the corner and had a two-on-two situation.  A short pass led to an opening and the Chicago attacker beat the onrushing Steele for the insurance goal and a 5-3 lead.

The Lions record-setting season came to an end in a tough loss, but this team provided highlights that will last a long time.