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Dayton Dutch Lions Sign European Standout

April 16, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Dayton Dutch Lions News Release


DAYTON, OH, April 16 2014 - The Dayton Dutch Lions FC (USL PRO) is proud to announce the signing of Jesjua Andrea Angoy Cruyff, the grandson of international soccer legend Johan Cruyff.

"Jesjua is a very talented player that will fit our style of play perfectly," Dutch Lions head coach Sid van Druenen remarked. "He is a left-footed player that played in the youth academy of Barcelona in Spain and spent two years in England with Wigan, and so brings experience with him that not a lot of guys on our roster have. He will be another great addition to an already quality roster."

Despite being only 21 years old, Cruyff has already played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. From 2008-2011, he played for FC Barcelona's youth academy, which is widely regarded as one of the top developmental programs in the world. Barca's academy has produced the likes of Carlos Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Pep Guardiola, Victor Valdes, and of course Lionel Messi.

Cruyff would eventually join English side Wigan Athletic, playing for their reserve team from 2011-2013. His most recent stop was with Lausanne Sport in Switzerland's Super League.

"I'm exited to see what the level of football (soccer) is in the U.S.," Cruyff added. "My expectations are to earn a spot in the Dutch Lions starting eleven and do my best. I want to get to the highest level I can be."

Soccer is certainly a big part of his family history. Johan Cruyff was the epitome of the "Total Football" strategy, being named a three-time European Player of the Year in a career that sent him around the world. His time in the Netherlands included several years with Ajax and Feyenoord in addition to 48 appearances with the Dutch National Team. He would also feature in Spain with FC Barcelona and Levante UD before coming to the United States to play for the Los Angeles Aztecs and Washington Diplomats in the original NASL.

Johan Cruyff's managerial career was equally impressive as he led Ajax and FC Barcelona to incredible domestic and European success in addition to service with the Catalonia National Team and Chivas Guadalajara.

In addition to grandfather Johan, his father Angoy played for FC Barcelona in La Liga. He would appear in nine games over five seasons with the Spanish giant.

Jesjua is a talented player and play on the left wing. He has a contract for 3 years. We wish him all the best at the Dayton Dutch Lions.

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