As the Black & Gold prepare to face Dayton Dutch Lions FC in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday at Crew Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET / TheCrew.com), here are a few things to know about the Crew's Buckeye State rival.
Origin: Dutch Lions FC was established in 2009 in an effort to bring the famous Dutch youth academy system to the United States. The club's core vision reads: "Dutch Lions FC wants to be a leading institute in the USA for developing professional soccer players. It brings an attractive, dominating style of professional soccer – based on the Dutch philosophy – to the community." The Dutch Lions' USL PRO team began play in the 2010 season coached by former Dutch National Team mainstay Sonny Silooy.
FC Twente: Dutch Lions FC was formed in partnership with FC Twente of the Eredivisie to bring the Dutch youth development model to the United States. FC Twente has boasted players such as Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Blaise Nkufo, Oguchi Onyewu and Bryan Ruiz in recent years.
Home Stadium: The USL PRO side currently plays its home matches at the Beavercreek High School football stadium.
Coach: Dayton is coached by Dutchman Patrick Bal, in his first season as Head Coach. Bal previously coached in the youth system of Almere City FC in Holland.
Past History: Aside from scrimmages, the Crew and Dutch Lions FC have only met once: underdog Dayton beat the Black & Gold in the Third Round of last year's Open Cup, 2-1.
