Orange Legionnaire

Evan Schwartz, 23, will return to his right back position for the second season in a row.

Schwartz brings with him two successful offseason workouts with the Colorado Rapids and the Chicago Fire of MLS. Evan impressed greatly at both with his speed and ability to get forward from his right back position. In fact, Schwartz was almost signed by the Colorado Rapids, but Colorado elected, late in their offseason, to sign their draft pick Eddie Ababio as the Rapids right back depth. Schwartz also was in talks with Toronto F.C. in December and January.

Schwartz has learned quite a lot working with MLS professionals for most of his offseason and is excited to bring that experience back to the Dutch Lions. The young, attacking right back expects to work hard and help the Dutch Lions achieve greater success in their inaugural season in USL-Pro, in hopes of attracting more opportunities next MLS offseason.

In addition to returning, Schwartz recommended the Dutch Lions to his friend and former teammate, the Bahamian international Happy Hall. Hall, who most recently played in the Trinidad & Tobago Pro League with Mau Pau SC, was recently signed by the Dutch Lions. Hall was the Captain of the Bahamian National Team during 2008 World Cup qualification.

Schwartz also is bringing a second IGM Academy alum, Luke McGill, with him on the ride to preseason training in Dayton, OH. All three are arriving in Dayton together from their southern locales this Friday.

Dutch Lions Back Line Looks Much Improved

Just look at the experience of the Dutch Lions expected starting four for this 2011 USL-Pro season~


Mettin Copier LB grew up in the AZ Alkmaar program and has two caps for the Austrian U-21 national team, including a 2-1 away win against Italy where Copier played a crucial part in proceedings.


Joe Tait CB/LB Played before for Hartlepool United in England, won PDL Defender of The Year in 2010 with Baton Rouge. Strong, 6'4 tall defender.


Happy Hall CB grew up in the IMG Academy system, has played in England as well as with Trindad top side Mau Pau SC (same league that includes Joe Public that knocked New England out of the Champions League before). 10 caps with Bahamian national team and also captained the national team in their World Cup 2008 qualifying efforts.


Evan Schwartz RB Spent entire offseason either working out with a MLS team (such as the Colorado Rapids or the Chicago Fire) or flirting with a MLS contract (as with Toronto F.C. and the Colorado Rapids once again). Also a former IMG Academy prospect, who has also spent time playing professionally in Iceland.

Overall, it appears that the Dutch Lions are looking to leave their attack to their Dutch internationals, along with a few Americans; While putting their defense in the hands of an American, an Englishman, a Bahamian, and an Austrian. Probably not a bad idea since the Dutch are known more for their attacking players (and attacking prowress) and not usually for their defensive talents.