The Dutch Lions win last game of the season

CONROE, Texas -- Competing within the ream of an atmosphere categorized by drum ­beating and cheer-chanting, lion dancing and crowd­ yelling, the Houston Dutch Lions defeated the Midland/Odessa Sockers FC 2­1 in their last game of the season. This was quite a feat for the Lions, as it allowed for their season of improvement to end on a positive note reflective of their progress.

Adding to the excitement of the final score is the fact that the Lions’ defeated opponents are heading into the playoffs for the USL PDL. According to the Dutch Lions head coach Marco Pruis, the team wanted to give the Sockers one last test before the playoffs, as well as leave it all on the field for the 9 month down time the team will face.

“They are already in the playoffs, and they know they will have a game next week, so we wanted to put pressure on them and make it as difficult as possible because they have another game. We needed to be as tough as possible, and that’s what we did. The guys kept on pressuring and they kept on making it very difficult on them, so that’s a huge accomplishment because that very difficult if your season is already over,” said Pruis.

From early on, the Dutch Lions demonstrated their control of the game. In the 31st minute of the first half, Lion forward Pablo Covarrubias scored a goal for Houston via a 1v1 with the Sockers’ keeper. Fellow teammate and forward Carlos Acevedo was running alongside Covarrubias, further showcasing the incredible teamwork and support the team has for each other. The goal led the Lions into halftime up 1­0, and into the second half with an adrenaline ­induced control of the game.

The Dutch Lions came back again in the 87th minute go the game with another goal courtesy of Pieter Beereboom. Beereboom sent a shot into the back of the net from a centered position in the Lions’ final third. The Sockers’ keeper attempted to get a hand on the ball via an air­ diving save, but luckily for the home team, the ball went right past his fingertips and did not stop until it hit the net.

Unfortunately, just when everyone thought the game was over, the Midland/Odessa Sockers initiated an attack in the 90th­minute of the game that led to a foul within the parameters of the Lions’ defensive 18­yard box, resulting in a free kick for the Sockers; the kick was taken at the edge of the 18­yard box, and soar into the left corner of the goal. However, despite this last­minute goal, the Houston Dutch Lions managed to win the game 2­1, securing a season record of 4­7­1. This led the Lions to have 13 points in season play this year, quite the improvement from last year’s 6 point finish.

For the upcoming season (in approximately nine months), Coach Pruis plans to grow as a club on and off the field.

“Overall, we just want to keep improving step-by-­step as a club and organization...the atmosphere is a great soccer environment, and it is an honor to coach here.”

The end of the game was welcomed with the closing ceremony for the season, complete with captain speeches offering many thanks for the fans in the most humble manner, as well as the award for the most goals in the season: this was given to George Kelley, who scored an impressive 8 goals this season.

Congratulations to the Lions on a great season full of wins, improvements, and positives. If you are looking fora good time and great soccer, do not hesitate to go to some games next season!