The Dayton Dutch Lions FC is happy to announce its open winter tryout for the 2019 soccer season. The Lions currently play in the USL League Two (formerly PDL), the highest level amateur league in the United States Soccer Structure and have been a franchise of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) for the past 10 years..
Tryouts will be held at SportsPlex on December 27th under the supervision of Head Coach Dan Griest and his staff.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR OPEN TRY OUT INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
"Playing in USL League Two is a fantastic opportunity for players to improve as they compete at a very high level during the summer months," said Griest. "Here in Dayton, we provide a great way to grow your skills for the next season or to showcase your talent and move on to the next step in your soccer career."
League Two is more than the leading national U23 league…League Two is the defined and proven pathway for players to progress to the professional ranks of soccer. It is the destination league for college-aged players to continue their development not only competing for a championship each summer, but also providing the opportunity for top-level competition for the best players.
In addition to league play, the Dayton Dutch Lions FC compete in various exhibitions as well as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Nearly 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections since 2010 have USL League Two experience, including a total of 72 alums chosen in 2018. Among the many players to have played in the league before making their professional debuts include Newcastle United FC defender DeAndre Yedlin, 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Tim Melia, 2017 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara and U.S. Men’s National Team members such as Darlington Nagbe, Brad Guzan, Geoff Cameron and Tim Ream.
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC compete in arguably the toughest division, the Great Lakes, part of the Central Conference. Last year's highlight was winning the club's first division championship and earning a spot in the conference playoffs.
"We are looking to build on a successful 2018 championship season and put together a team that can defend our division title. Coach Griest is looking for players who will perform week in and week out. Open tryouts have yielded us several players over the past few years and is another tool for our coaching staff to find the right combination for our roster," shared General Manager Ric Campbell. "We encourage players who have a passion for this wonderful game and the commitment to work hard every day to come out and see if being a Dayton Dutch Lion is in their future."
"This team not only competes at the highest level of soccer, but also provides a platform for players to be seen by professional scouts for USL and MLS teams. We have sent players to various MLS teams and other professional clubs around the world to try and further their careers."
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR OPEN TRY OUT INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
If you have any questions, please email Head Coach Dan Griest at d.griest@ddlfc.com