Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Monday, March 24, 2014
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions FC are proud to announce the return of three players for the 2014 season. Midfielder Eddie Hertsenberg, goalkeeper Matt Williams and midfielder Irakli Khutsidze have all re-signed with the club. The club also announced the addition of defender Taylor Bowlin.
"All three are players I am happy to see return,” Dayton Dutch Lions FC head coach Sid van Druenen said. “Matt is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and Ika and Eddie are both very creative midfielders that fit our style of play perfectly."
Hertsenberg is a Cincinnati, Ohio native that has been active in both indoor and outdoor game.
“It is great to be back with the Dutch Lions for this upcoming season,” Hertsenberg said. “I love the people here in Dayton and being close to my hometown, family, and friends. My time spent with the Dutch Lions, on and off the field, has been great. It’s going to be an exciting year and I am happy to be a part of it with the Orange Family.”
Hertsenberg will wear number 18 for the Dutch Lions and can be found on Twitter @hertsenc.
Williams is the Dutch Lions’ all-time leader in games played, wins, saves, and goals against-average. He appeared in every game in the 2012 and 2013 season, and finished with 10 shutouts and led the league in saves. The Portland, Maine native is a USL veteran, having played for the Wilmington Hammerheads and GPS Portland Phoenix.
"I'm excited to be back for another year,” Williams said. “We have taken steps every year to improve our team and I'm excited to be on board for another campaign. I think we have some unfinished business after our loss in Richmond last year left a sour taste in all our mouths. We've earned our respect from other teams in the league; it's time to take it one step further and try and win a championship."
Williams can be found on Twitter @willibeats.
Khutsidze made 25 appearances in 2013, adding four assists and one goal to the Dutch Lions' attack. His 1,730 minutes played ranks among the Top 10 on the squad.
The Kutaisi, Georgia native is no stranger to the beautiful game, having played for FC Gagra and FC Torpedo in his home country.
“I’m really exited to be back in the Dayton Dutch Lions jersey,” Khutsidze said. “I really enjoy the Dutch style and it’s definitely my style. Last year we made the playoffs and that was great, but this year with most of the guys coming back and the affiliation with Columbus Crew,we can be a more dangerous team. With hard work we can do better then just making the playoffs.”
Bowlin, a rookie, has a wealth of experience at different levels. His collegiate career included time at UNLV and Cal State Northridge. Bowlin would also see time with the Real Salt Lake U-18s, Real Salt Lake Reserves, and the Kansas City Brass in the PDL.
"I saw Taylor at the USL PRO Combine and was very impressed with his offensive capabilities as a full back,” van Druenen said. “He can play on the right and left and gives us quality depth in those positions."
The 24-year-old has also spent time in Santiago, Chile with AC Barnechea.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Dayton Dutch Lions for the upcoming season,” Bowlin said. “It was easy to see that the organization's professional culture breeds success and I can't be happier to be a member of the family. I am honored to represent the city of Dayton with high hopes for us in 2014.”