Dayton Dutch Lions Step Closer to Playoffs

August 3, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Dayton Dutch Lions News Release


ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Rochester Rhinos were defeated 3-1 by the Dayton Dutch Lions FC on Friday at Sahlen's Stadium in a game that was limited to 67 minutes after an ongoing lightning delay. Rochester scored the match's first goal in the 42nd minute and maintained its lead through the 60th minute before Dayton scored three consecutive goals. Preciado, Schwartzendruber and Bardsley each scored to give the Lions three crucial points.

Rochester took initiative from the beginning needing a win to stay in a play off position. The best chance however came from Brandon Schwartzendruber when he got one on one with Nicht but he hit the right post. On the other side Rochester hit the crossbar keeping the score 0-0. Rochester did take the lead though just before halftime when Banks got a long ball just before the 16 yard box, controlled it and Preciado and Granger gave too much space resulting in a shot in the low left corner out of reach of Williams making the score 1-0.

Dayton came out stronger in the 2nd half and found the equalizer in the 60th minute after an inswinging free kick from the left by Irakli Khutsidze. Rochester attempted to head a ball that was served into the box from 40 yards out, but Preciado got his head on the loose ball, and just managed to put the ball past Nicht's right side. Two minutes later, forward Thomas Garner connected with Swartzendruber to give the Dutch Lions a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute. Garner crossed the ball to Swartzendruber at the top of the six-yard box from the left side of the penalty box and Swartzendruber put it into the goal past Nicht's left side. The Dutch Lions extended their lead to 3-1 in the 65th minute after forward Bardsley scored an unassisted goal. The ball found Bardsley's foot after a communication problem in the Rochester back four. Bardsley got on the loose ball and chipped it beautifully in the goal over Nicht's head.

The loss mathematically eliminated the Rhinos from the 2013 USL PRO playoffs. The Rhinos had successful qualified for the playoffs in each of their previous 18 years in existence. The win puts the Lions on top of both the LA Blues and the Charlotte eagles in 5th position.

Line up: Williams, Lord, Preciado, Granger, Smith, DeLass, Madigan, Khutsidze, Bardsley, Schwartzendruber, Garner

The Dutch Lions FC will be back in action on Sunday when they play the Wilmington Hammerheads. The game starts at 6.30pm at Beavercreek High School.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 3, 2013


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