The Indiana Invaders traveled to Dayton Wednesday evening to compete against the newest member of the Great Lakes Division, the Dayton Dutch Lions.  The Dutch Lions joined the PDL this season as one of the few professional teams within the PDL.  The starting 11 for the Lions consisted of many ex Dutch professionals as they welcomed the youthful Invaders.  The weather was hot and wet as both teams took the pitch in another important US Open Cup Qualifier.  More than 1,100 fans entered Miami Valley South Stadium on the muggy evening to view the first ever match between the Dayton Dutch Lions and the Indiana Invaders.

The match began patiently as both teams attempted to figure out each others’ strategy.  The Invaders sat back as Dayton sent numbers forward as they tried to calculate the stingy Invaders Defense.  Both teams were able to move the ball well but neither was able to create anything dangerous in front of the net.  The end of the first half saw the Invaders have their best stint as they were dangerous down the flanks.  Dino Ceric and Tinashe Mugabe were able to utilize their speed and ability down the flanks creating opportunities in the Dutch penalty box but were unable to put one in the net.  The Lions looked a bit tired as the half drew to an end and looked relieved when the halftime whistle blew.

The beginning of the second half saw both teams moving the ball very well.  Daryl Robson and Sourosh Amani controlled the middle of the field for the Invaders and about halfway through the second half the game began to open up, favoring the visiting Invaders.  With superior fitness, the Invaders created opportunity after opportunity, shredding the Dutch defenders down the stretch.  The goalkeeping of Oscar Moens kept the draw intact as he came up with a couple of huge saves for the Lions.  Invaders forward, Musa Kamara proved dangerous all evening with seven shots but was unable to final the finishing touch.  The Lions created some quality chances as well but didn’t trouble Goalkeepers Brandon Miller and Avery Steinlage too much.  Along with the solid defensive play from their back four, the Invaders posted their first shutout of the season as the game ended in a 0-0 draw.