Dayton, May 5, 2019
Dayton Dutch Lions FC has re-signed Abdul Kooistra for the 2019 Men’s team that competes in the Great Lakes Division of USL League 2. Kooistra is currently playing for Northern Kentucky University and started 15 of the 17 games this season. Dayton Dutch Lions FC interviewed him:
DDL FC: Where are you originally from?
AK: I am originally from Madison in Wisconsin.
DDL FC: What colleges/clubs have you played for?
AK: I played for FC Wisconsin during my youth career and then I played for the University of Wisconsin my first two years of college before transferring to NKU.
DDL FC: What position(s) do you (prefer) to play?
AK: I prefer to play left back.
DDL FC: What have been the highlights of your soccer career?
AK: Having eight shutouts in the 2017 season with NKU (most in history of NKU Div1) and winning the USL PDL Great Lakes Championship in 2018 with DDL FC.
DDL FC: Why did you choose to play for DDL FC the upcoming season?
AK: I decided to play for DDL FC because my experience with the club last season. I enjoyed working with the coaching staff and players in 2018 and I am looking forward to seeing what the 2019 season will hold.
DDL FC: What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
AK: My biggest expectation for the 2019 season is to defend the 2018 Great Lake Division title.
Head Coach Dan Griest commented on Kooistra’s signing: "I am really pleased to get Abdul back with us for another summer. He played a significant role for us down the stretch of our title run last season, and I fully expect him to take on a larger role with us this summer. Abdul is tremendously athletic with the pace and technical ability to get forward and help in the attack from wide areas and the smarts to play center back if called upon. His versatility and high soccer IQ should allow him to have a huge impact for us as we look to repeat as Great Lakes Division Champions."
Come see Abdul Kooistra in action this season at DOC Stadium in West Carrollton. The opening game is May 18 with a double header with the Women’s team, when the Men play Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC in their first of four derby’s in 2019. The game starts at 7pm while the Women kick off at 4pm. The game is the official National Armed Forces Day, with several family friendly activities, before, during and after the games. Purchase your tickets for both games at the gate or at https://ddlfc.com/shop/.