Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Saturday, May 28, 2011
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions earned another point at home against the Charlotte Eagles in a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in the Lions' sixth consecutive home match this USL PRO season.
The Eagles took the lead early in the first half after a free kick in the 10th minute from 30 yards out connected with forward Sallieu Bundu.Each side took their turn to try and find the back of the net, but the Dutch Lions found their equalizer in the 64th minute as Joel Delass got tripped up in the box by Charlotte Eagles defender for a penalty kick that was converted by Julius Willie.
“It was a disappointing tie tonight,” said Dutch Lions coach Ivar van Dinteren. “I think the first half we dominated, we didn’t have great chances, but we should have earned a goal. Both sides had high and low points and the game continued to fluctuate for each team. I really wanted the three points tonight; I always say a tie is a loss. In this game the win would have gone to the luckiest team.”
Early into the match Charlotte earned a free kick from 30 yards out that was converted for a goal by Bundu. The Charlotte forward used his length to his advantage on a high free kick to bring the ball down and send into the back of the Dutch Lions net. Both teams had their share of possession in the first half and both created scoring opportunities.
A scramble in Charlotte’s penalty area in the 24th minute sent the crowd into a roar as the Dutch Lions worked hard to find an equalizer. The Dutch Lions went close when Marvin van der Pluijm, after receiving a pass from Willie, created a chance for George Davis IV, who was denied.
But the Dutch Lions wouldn't be denied in the 64th minute as Delass we clipped and taken down in the left side of the penalty area. Willie stepped up to take the penalty kick and fired past Charlotte goalkeeper Eric Reed to tie the game.
“Chances were fair from both sides,” said Assistant Coach Jack Hermans. “It feels like a loss tonight, but the result could have gone either way.”
Both teams had chances to grab victory late on, with Charlotte forward Chris Salvaggione firing a shot in the 89th minute that was headed towards the top-left corner of the net, only to see his effort flicked wide by Dutch Lions goalkeeper Jesper Leerdam.
The Dutch Lions will continue to look for their first win of the USL PRO season at Miami Valley South Stadium next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Visit the Dutch Lions website at www.dutchlionsfc.com for more information and follow the action on Twitter @Daytondutchlion.