Dayton Dutch Lions FC News Release - www.daytondutchlionsfc.com
Saturday, May 17, 2014
DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Dutch Lions will open the 2014 W-League season at 1 p.m. on Sunday when they welcome the Carolina Elite Cobras to DOC Stadium in West Carrollton.
In 2013 the Dutch Lions won the Southeastern Conference regular season championship but lost in the conference tournament against the Cobras. Since the 2013 season the Dutch Lions have undergone several changes including the loss of forward Emilie Fillion, who signed a professional contract with Dutch Premier League club FC Twente.
Dayton also saw a major change in the coaching staff as the successful coaching duo of Sid van Druenen and Catherine Gordon transitioned to the men’s professional team. New Head Coach Gavin McLeod has signed some talented players, including 2013 W-league MVP/Golden Boot Shan Jones and U.S. U20 WNT star Rose Lavelle (when she returns from the U20 World Cup preparation camp on May 19).
"We are excited to get our 2014 W-League campaign started against the Carolina Elite Cobras," McLeod said. "Assistant Coach Ian Richardson and myself have worked hard on trying to assemble a squad to continue the success of last season's Lady Lions and we are very happy with the group that we have brought in.
"The opening game of the season is hard for every team in the league because you are bringing together players from different countries, colleges and styles of play, so there is always a period of adjustment. It will be imperative that we come together as soon as possible and play as a team and not as 11 individuals, but I have been encouraged by what I have seen in training. With the talent we have at our disposal I am very optimistic about what we might be able to achieve this season.”