Cape Coral, June 4, 2018 – The Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions Women’s Team came out with a record of 1-1 this weekend after two hard-fought battles on their home turf.
In front of their loyal fans, under the sweltering Florida sun, the Dutch Lions pulled out a 2-0 victory over Florida Tropics SC on Saturday and fell to Tampa Bay United SC 2-1 on Sunday. The games were both exciting and nerve-racking, an indication that this team will be a sight to see during the rest of their season. The organization also raised over $700 during their Kick Off for Cancer weekend for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, a community cause the Dutch Lions are passionate about.
On Saturday the Dutch Lions got off to a slow start, but by halftime were putting together passes and making plays to generate forward momentum. Both teams were fighting for goals, but they left the field tied 0-0 at the half. After their short halftime regroup, the Dutch Lions were ready to attack. Vesna Veltrop, one of our Dutch players from partner club ADO Den Haag Vrouwen, found herself in the Tropics’ box when one of their defenders made a key mistake and had a hand ball in front of the net. The Dutch Lions were rewarded with a penalty kick, which Veltrop took and scored, putting the Dutch Lions up 1-0 in minute 55. The Lions felt confident after that and the possession game was theirs. At minute 75, forward Kylee Rullo, took a long shot from outside the Tropics’ 18. It hit the back of the net and the crowd went wild! Our fans screamed in excitement and the stands were rumbling. When the whistle blew the game ended with the Dutch Lions on top 2-0 and with their first win of the season.
Sunday’s game versus Tampa Bay United SC brought the heat earlier in the day. Kickoff was at 1pm and the Dutch Lions found themselves making errors early on. In minute two during a mix-up on a Tampa Bay corner kick, Dutch Lions midfielder Vesna Veltrop knocked in an own goal to put Tampa up 1-0. Not even 10 minutes later, Tampa put in another goal, a rebound from 18 yards, that snuck past keeper Casey Winn. Despite their disappointment, the Dutch Lions kept their heads and up and kept fighting. The game against Tampa quickly became physical and there was a battle in every one-on-one situation that occurred between the two teams. Yellow cards were given out to Yvonne Ploeg and Kianna Magner for rough tackles, but the Dutch Lions kept working on their chances at a goal. In minute 86, they found that chance after a scrappy play in Tampa’s box which resulted in an own goal in favor of the Dutch Lions. The energy got more intense by minute 90 when Dutch Lions midfielder, Lorena Alvarado, got into a scuffle with number 6 on Tampa Bay United. Punches were thrown and number 6 was ejected from the game with a red card. The Dutch Lions fans were happy to see justice was served.
Head Coach Vincent de Weger says, “We gave them a heck of a game, kept our heads held high, and recovered from mistakes that were made. We feel good about going into our second week of the season 1-1. We’ll look to make our record 2-1 this weekend in our away game against the Florida Krush.”
The Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions’ next home game will be June 17 vs Boca Blast at 2pm. Fathers get free admission in celebration of Father’s Day.