The Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO) announced the re-signing of captain Joel DeLass for the 2014 season pending league approval.
“Joel has been the leader of this team for the last two years and he will be returning as our captain for the 2014 season,” Dayton Dutch Lions head coach Sid van Druenen commented. “Besides his qualities on the field he is also very important off the field as he is a great leader and example for the younger and new players.”
The Spring Lake, MI native was a key cog in the Dutch Lions attack in 2013, registering six goals and one assist. The reliable midfielder made 26 appearances for Dayton, registering 2317 minutes played.
“I’m very excited to be back in Dayton for another season. As an organization, the club has taken massive strides both on and off the field since the first year in the league,” DeLass declared. “Last year we accomplished our goal of making the playoffs, but a tough loss in the playoffs left a bitter taste in a lot of our mouths. Hopefully with the players returning, some key signings, and the affiliation with Columbus, we will be able to once again improve on our previous season and make a deeper run in the playoffs.”
DeLass was named to the USL PRO Team of the Week an incredible six times in 2013.
He was a standout at Wheaton College in Illinois before joining fellow USL PRO side Charlotte Eagles in 2010. He also has experience in the PDL with West Michigan Edge.
He will wear number 8 for the Dutch Lions and can be found on Twitter @joeldelass.
