Dayton, OH (Friday, August 3, 2018) – Midfielder Tate Robertson (Springfield, OH/Bowling Green) is recognized for his outstanding efforts this season as his contributions to the Lions' Great Lakes Division title land him on the Premier Development League Best XI, announced yesterday by league officials.
He was the sole representative from the Great Lakes Division and was joined by fellow All- Central Conference members Kino Ryosuke (Des Moines Menance) and Luka Prpa (Chicago FC United).
G - Marco Carducci, Calgary Foothills FC
D - Jordan Skelton, Mississippi Brilla FC
D - Gabriel Torres, The Villages SC
D - Callum Montgomery, Victoria Highlanders FC
M - Aaron Molloy, Reading United AC
M - Tate Robertson, Dayton Dutch Lions
M - Luka Prpa, Chicago FC United
M - Marco Micaletto, South Georgia Tormenta FC
F - Kino Ryosuke, Des Moines Menace
F - Marek Weber, SC United Bantams
F - Moses Danto, Calgary Foothills FC
For more information view - PDL AWARDS
"It is exciting to see Tate get this kind of national recognition," said Head Coach Dan Griest. "I have had the pleasure of coaching this young man since he was 14 years old. His growth year-over-year has been wonderful. Even during the last 12 months, when he was named 2nd Team - All NPSL last summer to what he showcased this season has been outstanding."
Robertson led the Lions to the club's best ever record of 8-3-3 playing multiple positions throughout the season. Coach Griest moved Tate around the pitch finding ways to enhance his performance and showcase his abilties. He was utilized up top early in the season where he scored five goals in four matches. He was then inserted to the midfield scoring two more goals and recording 4 assists while helping marshal the midfield to three clean sheets. His 19 points, 7 assists and 29 shots were team highs. He was second in goals (6) and minutes played (1,104). Robertson returns this fall to Bowling Green University for his senior season.
Griest shared, "I believe this summer has been a springboard for Tate to have a great year at BG and the pro opportunities that should come his way after graduation. He is a special talent and I look forward to seeing him play at the next level."
Earlier in the week, Robertson was named to the All-Central Conference team.
In addition, Lion mainstays – defender Harvey Slade (England/Wright State) who started all 12 matches during his 1,080 minutes played and Jackson Dietrich (Las Vegas, NV/Wright State) with 6 goals and 6 assists – received all-conference honorable mention.
"I was a bit disappointed to see that Slade and Dietrich did not get greater recognition because they both stood out for the majority of the season. Slade, over and over, shut down the top forwards in our division and Dietrich scored six important goals from his attacking midfield position. His direct kick game winner (Goal of the Week Nominee) versus Michigan was as good as it gets," said Coach Griest. "I look forward to having both of these guys back next summer and seeing their growth from another year together at Wright State University."
A representative from each team voted on the postseason honors, which are based on regular-season performance. Teams are allowed to vote only on players within their respective divisions. The Central Conference comprises the Heartland Division and the Great Lakes Division. Those players with the top votes are then selected for the PDL League team.
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