Miami Dutch Lions FC Surprise Central Florida Panthers SC 2-1
May 27, 2021 Winter Park, FL
New Team, New Look and New Coaching Staff! Miami Dutch Lions FC (1-0) traveled to Central Florida Panthers (1-2) Wednesday in their inaugural first road match of the season. Central Florida Panthers SC were looking to battle back from a 2-1 loss to Naples. Central Florida had scored 7 goals and allowed only 2 in the first two games proving a dynamic attack and solid defense.
The Lions' scoring count opened with a left footed blast by center midfielder Phillip Spickenbaum (assisted by Max Busch) in the 25th minute. The lead did not last very long, just 3 minutes later Central Florida center back Callum Doyle headed a back post free kick to equalize. Both teams exchanged possession and attack in the first half with both teams creating 2 open chances but both goalies came up big.
In the second half the Lions took more control of the midfield and created chance after chance, but the goalkeeper of Central Panthers had a great night with save after save. The Lions could not even convert a penalty kick with another save by the goalkeeper. The deadlock finally broke with a back post finished from an early cross by Max Busch at 65th minute mark, giving the Lions a well deserved 2-1 lead.
“We were looking to come in and execute on goals we had set forth at the beginning of the season and during our preparations for this game” Miami Dutch LionsFC head coach Rob Stoutenburg said. “We saw a lot of positives tonight but we all know there’s more work to be done in order to be successful in this highly competitive league. I was very pleased with my players, they have a very good characteristic of taking information, processing and executing. We felt in the first half we weren’t able to move the ball as much as we would have liked and positionally we were a bit stretched. At half time we stressed that we needed to take care of the ball much more and work harder in our defensive responsibilities so we could attack in transition more effectively. I though in the second half we were much better and were able to put together some dangerous combination plays in and around our opponents box. Hats off to their keeper, he made some amazing saves this evening”.
The team is back in action this Saturday when the face Storm FC at 7pm at Ted Hendrick Stadium.
