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Pre Season Camp Begins

April 5, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Dayton Dutch Lions News Release


DAYTON, Ohio- Dayton Dutch Lions FC commenced the 2013 preseason camp with an aggressive schedule consisting of eight training sessions and two exhibitions against local universities in the first six days. The Dutch Lions faced early challenges in both matches, but they battled back to earn a draw and a victory against Ohio State and Cedarville, respectively.

The Dutch Lions travelled to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday night to face The Ohio State University Buckeyes. After a sluggish start to their first preseason match of the campaign, the Dutch Lions found themselves trailing 0-1 at halftime. Dayton sprang to life in the second half. An amazing goal by Eddie Hertsenberg knotted the score at 1-1, and the Dutch Lions headed back to Dayton with a draw.

On Thursday, the Dutch Lions visited the Yellow Jackets of Cedarville University for their second preseason exhibition in three nights. Cedarville's Christian Alexander started the scoring midway through the first half when he finished a one-on-one opportunity against Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams. Once again the Dutch Lions bounced back in the second half. Brandon Swartzendruber chipped the equalizing goal into the net after receiving a nifty ball from Irakli Khutsidze. A few minutes later, a strike from Matt Griffin gave the Dutch Lions a 2-1 lead, which stood as the score at full time.

Patrick Bal, Head Coach of the Dayton Dutch Lions, appeared satisfied with the progress his team has made in the short period of time they have been together. Bal said, "The pace was slow and the passing was off in the first halves of both games. In the second halves, though, we had more movement and pace, which created opportunities."

When pressed to reveal which player had impressed him to this point in camp, Bal said it was Shintaro Harada, who played center back in the second half against Cedarville. "Although Harada has only had one training session with the team, he stepped into the game tonight and controlled the action from the back. His leadership is a good combination with that of Joel DeLass in the midfield," Bal stated.

The Dayton Dutch Lions' next preseason game is on Sunday, April 7 at 3:30 PM. The Dutch Lions will face Lincoln Memorial University at the Miami Valley School, which is located at 5151 Denise Drive, Dayton, OH 45429.

The Dayton Dutch Lions FC kicks off their season at home against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Beavercreek High School Stadium. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the Dayton Dutch Lions FC, please visit www.daytondutchlionsfc.com.

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