Chicago Dutch Lions FC (3-3-2) welcomed its fans for their final match vs Conference leaders Chicago Red Stars Reserves. After losing 4-0 in the opening game of the 2021 season, the team showed how much they have grown this inaugural season and tied the Red Stars Reserves 1-1 after an amazing goal by Alexa Quaranta.
The Lions needed a win to stay in the race for the Conference Championship. The team came out strong and the Lions created four scoring chances, with two of them hitting the post. Deadlocked at 0-0, the Red Stars finally capitalized on a scoring opportunity in the game’s 52nd minute, earning the first goal of the match. The Lions maintained a stellar defensive presence throughout the majority of the second half before the ultimate momentum shift finally happened. In the 86th minute the hard work paid off, when Alexa Quaranta found her footing and controlled the ball and had a "rocket shot" from outside the box just under the crossbar to tie the game.
While a victory would have made the heroics that much more satisfying, Nikhil Erlebach was thrilled, especially after everything it took to make the season a reality. “I’m very happy with the performance and the grit we showed defensively, but also doing a lot of good things with the ball and playing our game,” Erlebach said. “We had some great spells of possession, and obviously, we’re very excited that we were able to tie the game late with a beautiful goal. It’s kind of what we’re all about. A local girl, Alexa Quaranta [who is] 18-years-old, nails an upper vertical to tie the game. Just a perfect ending to a great season at Benedictine, our home.”
Goalkeeper coach James Van Artsdalen was extremely pleased with how the Lions responded in the rematch and is already looking ahead to the remaining matches on the road vs Milwaukee Torrent and Milwaukee Bavarians on July 14 and 17 to close out the inaugural season. Both games will decide if the Lions will end up in 2nd, 3rd or 4th place in the Conference. “We’re very familiar with both of them. We haven’t forgotten the last time we played the Torrent, as we ended up losing that game 3-2, a game we should have won. We’re feeling confident going into the last two games of the season, and we’re comfortable with how we want to play. Ultimately, I think we’re in for two very exciting games to wrap-up the summer.” Van Artsdalen said.
The current Conference standings:
