Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.daytondutchlionsfc.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions FC are pleased to announce their home venue for the 2013 season. The Dutch Lions have partnered with Beavercreek High School to play at their stadium, known as Miami Valley Hospital Stadium, for all 14 men’s team home games. Two of those games (June 28 and July 14) will include double-headers with the Dutch Lions’ W-League Team.
The Dutch Lions are also very happy to announce three returning players for the 2013 USL PRO season, with forward Eli Garner, left back Shane Smith and midfielder Eric Kissinger all returning to the club.
Garner, a 21-year-old clinical finisher from Hillsborough, N.C., returns in 2013 after a great rookie season with the Dutch Lions. His performance last season during the U.S. Open Cup tournament was a highlight of Garner’s 2012 season. Following the Dutch Lions’ victory over MLS’ Columbus Crew (allowing the Dutch Lions to advance to the quarterfinals against MLS team Sporting Kansas City), Garner was invited to try out for The Crew. 2013 Coach Patrick Bal said, “He performed great [in 2012] and we are excited to have his speed and creativity back on our roster.”
Kissinger, a 27-year-old midfielder, also returns to the Dutch Lions roster for a fourth year. Kissinger has been a Dayton local since his freshman year of high school and was recently named head coach of the varsity boys’ soccer team at his alma mater, The Miami Valley School. Kissinger has also been a coach in the Dutch Lions’ youth academy and a pro player since he made his debut on the Dutch Lions’ PDL team in 2010.
“I chose the Dayton Dutch Lions because it’s a young, promising club with lots of potential for growth," Kissinger said. "We made a strong run in the U.S. Open Cup last year. [This season] I expect a good squad to be ready to play possession-style soccer and work hard [to] make it into the playoffs this year.”
Left Back Shane Smith from Casa Grande, Ariz is another great asset to be returning to the Dayton Dutch Lions roster. 27-year-old Smith made his professional debut with the Dayton Dutch Lions two years ago.
“Playing for the Dutch Lions the past two seasons, I have improved so much technically and grown more confident as a player," Smith said. "I felt another season with [the team] will help me improve my game that much more and will give me a chance to be more of a leader this upcoming season.” Smith has also joined the Dutch Lions’ youth academy staff as of January 2013.
The Dayton Dutch Lions FC will host The Pittsburgh Riverhounds for their home opening match at Beavercreek High School Stadium on Saturday, April 20. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets to an individual game ($12 for adults/$6 for youth) or for the entire 14 home game season ($100 for adults/$50 for youth), please visit www.daytondutchlionsfc.com.
For sponsorship or advertising opportunities with the team, please contact Koen Driessen at k.driessen@daytondutchlionsfc.com or by calling 937-760-6067.