Dayton Dutch Lions FC begins the 2022 USL League Two season at home on Saturday, March 14. Dayton welcomes the South Bend Lions to DOC Stadium in West Carrollton with kick off slated for 5:00PM. The new season brings new faces and new expectations for the Dutch Lions.
Among the new faces is head coach Hans Pascoal. It falls upon Pascoal to guide a team that finished at the bottom of the standings in 2021 and transform it into one like the Dutch Lions side that won a division championship just a few seasons ago.
“The goals and expectations are that we will be competitive and improve on our results from last season with an eye on cracking the top 3,” said Pascoal. “The players are ambitious and may want to adjust this upwards!”
Like Pascoal, many of the players are also new to the Dutch Lions organization. Pascoal has recruited a new roster to execute his vision and return the Dutch Lions to glory.
“Joe Kouadio brings individual skills and strong finishing ability. Ouseymane Cisse brings a lot of pace and skills on the wing. Additionally, I expect strong influences from our Dutch players Tom and Sem Plezier,” said Pascoal.
Saturday’s opponent is familiar to Dutch Lions fans. Dayton and South Bend met twice in 2021, and the teams combined to score 10 goals. Dayton’s tactical philosophy sets up to recreate the excitement generated by these two squad last season.
“In terms of our style of play, you should expect a lot of quick ball movement and high pressure when we lose the ball,” said Pascoal. “The typical Dutch style of play that Ajax brought to the world of football.”