The Houston Dutch Lions FC continued their strong start to the Texas Premier Soccer League season with a 4-2 win over the visiting Galveston Pirate SC. Goals from Erick Suarez, Jose Hernandez, Roberto Velazquez along with a Pirate SC own goal led the Lions to the victory. With the win the Lions remain undefeated and sit atop the TPSL table 5 points clear of the second place Houston Leones FC.
Saturday marked not only the home opener for the Houston Dutch Lions, but was also the first match played at the newly completed Houston Dutch Lions FC Soccer Complex. Game time conditions were perfect with temperatures in the low 70s and no humidity. The Lions were also happy to welcome Youth Academy Player of the Week Ty Carnes to their bench and to kickoff the game.
Lions Head Coach Marco Pruis sent his Lions out with the mission to play aggressive but also to play smart. His players responded and immediately began putting pressure on the Pirates. Five minutes into the match the pressure paid off with the first Lions goal of the match. After working the ball forward down the right side, the Lions played the ball into the box forcing the Pirates defender, Manuel Menjivar, to react quickly. In his attempt to clear, the defender played the ball into his own net for an own goal. After the opening goal the Lions continued to move possess the ball and play on the Pirates half of the field. Although the opportunities to play the ball were there, the Lions too often were taking shots from distance while trying to add to their lead. Shortly after a Pirates yellow card, the boys in orange were finally able to add to their lead. The Lions showed some excellent ball movement and Cesar Arellano fed a nice ball to Erick Suarez who slotted it home for the 2-0 Lions lead. This would remain the score as the official blew the half time whistle.
As the second half kicked off, the Pirates made three substitutions looking to get some fresh legs into the match. Shortly after, the Pirates got on the board for the first time. While trying to clear the ball out of the box a Lions defender was called for hand ball. With the foul the Pirates were awarded a penalty kick which their forward, Victor Cerna, smashed home to bring his team within one goal at 2-1 at the 48th minute mark. Shortly after the PK, Coach Pruis made his first substitution of the match bringing on Jonathan Segovia to replace defender Juan Lozoya. Ten minutes later the Lions made three more subs as Jesus Vidal, Roberto Velazquez, and Javier Vazquez all entered the game looking to add some speed and extend the Lions lead. It wasn’t long before the home team saw the results of their fresh legs in the 65th minute. The Lions attacked the Pirates box and were awarded a penalty kick after the Pirates defender brought down their player. Midfielder Jose Hernandez stepped up to the spot and gave the Lions a 3-1 lead. Coach Nelson Estrada’s Pirates would not go away quietly though. The visitors continued to press forward while trying to create chances. After a hard Lions foul the Pirates were awarded a free kick from about 25 yards out in the 75th minute. Victor Cerna would strike again as he curled in a beautiful free kick that defected off Lions goalie Israel Becerra and bounced down off the crossbar. With the score remaining close the Lions continued to press and were once again rewarded for the efforts in the 82nd minute. Substitute Roberto Velazquez showed some excellent footwork as he dribbled through several defenders and scored a tough angle shot from the right side to secure the Lions win as the final would be 4-2.
This Saturday the Lions travel to Houston for a tough road game against the Houston Hurricanes FC. The Hurricanes play in the NPSL during the summer months and should provide a tough test. Game time is at 7 pm and will be played at Dow Park in Deer Park, TX.
