Interest building for Dutch Lions-Columbus Crew match

PDL team hopes exhibition at Baujan Field signals the start of a true partnership.

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By David DiCenzo, Contributing Writer Updated 2:43 AM Thursday, June 17, 2010

DAYTON — When Dayton Dutch Lions FC set up shop in southwest Ohio, building relationships with local soccer organizations became a priority. Partnering with the 2008 Major League Soccer champion Columbus Crew was therefore an obvious decision.

One of the first results of that partnership will be on display when DDL FC faces the MLS heavyweights at UD’s Baujan Field on Saturday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. in an exhibition match.

“The Crew have a lot of fans in Dayton, so it’s good for them and it’s good for us in terms of trying to get locals interested in soccer and the Dutch Lions,” DDL FC co-owner Mike Mossel said.

“Hopefully, we build this relationship for a long time.”

Dayton’s owners first contacted the Columbus team last year and sat down with Crew technical director Brian Bliss, who eventually visited the Netherlands to meet with the Lions’ parent club FC Twente, the reigning Dutch league champions.

“It’s a working relationship with a club doing things a little differently,” said Bliss, suggesting there was a good exchange of information.

“The match is an opportunity to get our regular guys back in tune with the game after the World Cup break.”

The Crew insisted the match be played on natural grass, ruling out DDL’s home pitch Miami Valley South Stadium. Despite Baujan’s smaller capacity (2,000), Mossel is anticipating a memorable event.

“It will be a great match, a great atmosphere,” said Mossel. “Baujan is a great field. We should be able to pack it.”

Tickets were still available as of Wednesday. Mossel said they have been receiving inquiries from around the surrounding area.

“If people come 10 minutes before the match, they might have trouble getting in,” he said.

Tickets can be purchased at www.dutchlionsfc.com, at the Lions’ Kettering business office (1212 E. Stroop Road) or at the gate.

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