Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Saturday, April 28, 2012
DAYTON, Ohio – With the USL PRO playoffs getting closer every game, the Dayton Dutch Lions are looking to improve their current record as they host the the Harrisburg City Islanders on Wednesday night at Miami Valley South Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Dutch Lions (2-8-7) have shown a marked improvement in their recent form, going 2-2-1 in their last five games, but time is running out if the side is to make a challenge for the top six spots in the division and a place in the playoffs.
The Dutch Lions and City Islanders met on Friday night, with Harrisburg dominating possession but unable to find a way past Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams, who had eight saves to earn his side a point in a 0-0 draw. Williams has had a strong season in goal for the Dutch Lions, leading the league with 83 saves, 10 more than second-placed Hunter Gilstrap of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
“It was a tough game last Friday, said Lions Head Coach Ivar Van Dinteren. “Especially the first half. The second half was more equal with both teams having chances to win the game.”
Harrisburg has had a very balanced attack this season, with Yann Ekra leading the City Islanders with 11 points and five goals. Five other City Islanders have also found the back of the net multiple times this season, and the Dutch Lions defense will have to be sharp to keep their opponents off the scoreboard.
“Harrisburg has one of the best attacking players in the league,” Van Dinteren said. “I think they are one of the best teams in the league, even better than the last year when they reached to the finals. But I know if my team is 100% focused we can win against every opponent.”
The Dutch Lions will be hoping to find some better scoring chances than in recent games. Akeem Priestley's goal on July 4 to earn victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds is Dayton's only goal in its last three games, so the side will be hoping to get more from joint-leading scorers Eli Garner and Gibson Bardsley on Wednesday night.