Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlions.com
Tuesday, May 28, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions FC recorded a historic victory as goals by Gerrit-Jan Bartels and Gibson Bardsley earned a 2-1 victory against Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew on Tuesday night in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup at Crew Stadium. The Dutch Lions will travel again in the tournament's fourth round as they visit the PDL's Michigan Bucks, which defeated the Chicago Fire 3-2 in overtime to advance.
After a scoreless first half that saw Dutch Lions goalkeeper Matt Williams keep his side in the game with four saves, the Dutch Lions fell behind in the 64th minute after Justin Meram was brought down in the penalty area. Williams was unable to deny Olman Vargas from the penalty spot, and the Crew had a 1-0 lead and appeared to be on their way through.
But after switching to a 3-4-3 formation in the last 15 minutes, and introducing Daniel Holoway in the 78th minute, the Dutch Lions were able to flip the game on its head, scoring twice in three minutes to to grab the lead. Holowaty first fed Bartels, himself a second-half substitute, for the equalizer a minute after coming on to tie the game, then found Bardsley two minutes later as the Dutch Lions scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal.
After seeing late leads slip away in league play the last two seasons, the Dutch Lions might have been nervous as the game entered stoppage time, but they were able to withstand the Crew's late pressure and record victory in their first meeting with their fellow Ohio club.
“I have to say that the Crew were the better team but again we played very organized and after the 1-0 we took a chance by playing one on one in the back resulting in two great goals," Dutch Lions coach Ivar van Dinteren said. "It is one huge celebration right now in the locker room, unbelievable. We have been so close to winning games this year but actually beating the Crew in their home is amazing. My guys deserve it and we will certainly celebrate it tonight and then focus again on Saturday when we play Charleston at home. But that is for tomorrow.”
The Lions will face the the PDL's Michigan Bucks in the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round next Tuesday at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. after the Bucks took a 3-2 victory against Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire in another upset in the Open Cup Third Round.