Dayton Dutch Lions Press Release
Dutch Lions give up 2 early goals in defeat at Rochester 2-0.
In the Dutch Lions first-ever US Open Cup match, the Rochester Rhinos were too much for the under-manned Lions, taking a 2-0 win over the Dayton-based PDL team. The Lions gave up two early goals, before taking over in the second half; unfortunately it was too late for the Lions.
The Dutch Lions were entering the game only being able to play 5 international players, and still were without core midfielders Bret Jones and Johan Wigger. But from the opening whistle, the Lions worked hard and took shape having several opportunities to land punches to the Rhinos goal.
The Rhinos got busy early on their home turf in the 14th and 18th minutes. The 18th minute resulting in their first goal. A miscommunication in the back, found Tino Nunez left alone. With an awkward bounce on the turf, Lions GK Moens read the bounce wrong, and got caught too far out as Nunez flicked it over Moens to make it 1-0.
Just 10 minutes later, in the 29th minute, another Rhinos flash down the right side found DDL Defender Kyle Segebart tracking back, and a physical comeback resulted in the Rhino striker falling down, as the referee issued a PK. Jamie Franks would take the PK as Moens dove the correct way, but couldn’t reach it as the Rhinos went up 2-0.
The Dutch Lions finally got into the game 30 minutes in with some great offensive attacks, as their game came to them with many opportunities. The biggest coming in the 44th minute when a great ball was played through to George Davis IV. Davis was battling a defender, pushed a shot with his in-step as the ball would hit off the far post.
The second half found the Dutch Lions on the attack for the majority of the time. With the Lions holding most of the possession on the Rhinos, the Lions would have several chances. Two big chances came in the 63rd and 76th minutes, by McCarthy and Bas Ent as Rhinos’ GK Vallow had to make a one-footed save.
In the 80th minute, Davis had a look from 20 yards out, as it deflected of a Rhinos defender on goal, but Vallow made a diving save to keep the game scoreless for the Dayton-side.
The Lions found themselves out-playing Rhinos the last 20 minutes, with possession and high-pressure by putting 8 men forward. The Dutch Lions were only 2 shots behind the Rhinos in the total shot count, 12-10.
It was a bittersweet performance for the Dutch Lions in its first-ever appearance in the Open Cup, as the Lions are in its inaugural season in the USL, qualifying for the Open Cup undefeated; yet unable to pickup the tough road result in Rochester.
The Lions will leave Rochester with its next goal in mind- Qualifying for the PDL Playoffs and a run to the PDL Championships. The Lions will swing by Cleveland for a match against the Internationals on Thursday in Medina, OH at 8:00pm.