Crew forward Aaron Schoenfeld will remain with the Black & Gold's USL-PRO affilliate, Dayton Dutch Lions FC, for the team's road match against the Charlotte Eagles on Friday. The 23-year-old striker played 37 minutes in a 3-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls Reserves on Sunday in his first action with the Dutch Lions.
The opportunity for more minutes against Charlotte will help the forward gain fitness after picking up an ankle injury in preseason.
"I think for Aaron, the main reason [to keep him with Dayton] is to get him up to speed with the rest of the group," Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said. "He was injured a little bit in preseason and from a minutes standpoint, he's behind the rest of the team. This will give him a chance to catch up."
Berhalter hopes the playing time with Dayton raises Schoenfeld's confidence in order to make an impact with the Black & Gold.
"For him to be a little bit behind physically, and then having to compete at our level, it was difficult for him," Berhalter explained. "What we're trying to do now is to build his fitness, but then give him the confidence through success and through playing time to be able to perform and make an impact with us afterward."
The Dutch Lions kick-off against the Eagles at 7:00 p.m. ET from the Queens Sports Complex in Charlotte (WATCH LIVE).
