Dayton, May 9, 2019
Dayton Dutch Lions FC Men’s team beat 2017 and 2018 NPSL Great Lakes Conference Champions Erie Commodores last night in Erie with 2-1 in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Lions dominated the stat sheet with a lot more shots (17-4, 9-1 on target) and 11-3 in corner kicks.
The Lions came out strong with the wind in their back earning a few corner kicks. In the 12thminute a cross from the right side was redirected by Georgios Charkoutsakis into goal to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. The Lions created several other chances but were not able to score a second one. Erie’s Curtis Strolley was able to score the equalizer in the 55thminute, but last years’ USL PDL Best XI Tate Robertson gave the Lions back the lead when Harvey Slade played the ball to the left side to Robertson, who dribbled inside and a perfect shot low in the right corner.
Head Coach Dan Griest commented on the win: “We came out strong and I think we played some good soccer and created a lot of chances. We should have scored more than one. After the tie we bounced back with a great goal by Tate and we fought hard and were rewarded with a huge win. It’s great to advance to the second round and play Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC next”.
After a coin flip at US Soccer’s headquarters the Lions have to play May 14 at 7pm in Pittsburgh to face the USL Championship team Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium. The two teams have always had good battles in USL PRO, this time the winner gets to advance to the 3rdround
Dayton Dutch Lions FC line up:
Fedrico Barrios, Jonas Fjeldberg, Jackson Dietrich, Sam Deroy, Harvey Slade, Peyton Mowery, Abdul Kooistra, Eric Hutton, Jake Stovall, Georgios Charkoutsakis, Tate Robinson (c)
Subs: Tristen Lyle, Alex Frank 13, Jack Steele, Jazminko Dizdervic, Austin Kinley, James Lamb
Pittsburgh Soccer Now interviewed Head Coach Dan Griest after the game. The interview can be seen here.