“They are both smart players who take it seriously,” Dutch Lions coach Marcus Rixon said. “It’s very fortuitous that they are both here.”
Van Geldorp, 25, has two goals and an assist this season while Amankona has two assists. Amankona, 21, has been identified as a top prospect in the PDL – currently ranked No. 4 by the USL Scouting Network ,which provides the PDL with insight on Under-23 players based on their performance and potential to play professionally.
The duo brings different elements to the field. Rixon describes the 6-foot van Geldorp as being great on the ball, having a presence on the field and using his body well. Amankona, at 5-foot-5, has an unpredictability on the field that Rixon appreciates as well as defensive ability.
“They’re not competing to be the big star,” he said. “They know if they play for each other, they both look better.”
That teamwork mindset is evident on the field.
“I know his qualities and he knows mine,” van Geldorp said. “I can read what he wants and know I can easily send the ball his way.”
Their soccer careers have taken them around the globe, but van Geldorp and Amankona are where they want to be – for now – as both players have their sights set on professional contracts.
“Playing well here can help me get more looks, more exposure,” Amankona said.
The Dutch Lions look to improve their 3-4 record Friday at Derby City.
Dayton Dynamo: The Dynamo, 5-2-1, hope to extend their perfect 3-0-0 home record in NPSL regular season play Friday as they host the Rochester Lancers at 7:30 p.m. at Roger Glass Stadium.
Dayton defender Eric Hutton was nominated for NPSL’s Mitre National Player of the Week for his performance in the team’s 2-1 win over Fort Pitt Regiment Sunday. The Dynamo defense could also get a boost from the return of Peyton Mowery who is on pace to return to starting duties after a two-week layoff, the result of a concussion against the Erie Commodores two weeks ago.
Dutch Lions Women: The Dutch Lions women, 2-2, host FC Pride, from Indianapolis, on Saturday at 7 p.m. at DOC Stadium.
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