The Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC is an American amateur soccer club based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and playing home games in the suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky. Founded in 2013, the team played in USL League Two. The club went into hiatus during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
The club was last owned by majority stakeholder Hans Philippo, who purchased the club alongside Club President Robert Rack in January 2017. This new ownership group includes Dr. Suresh Gupta and Mike Mossel, in representation of the Dutch Lions Capital Group, who remain minority owners in the club. Brandon Ponchak was the club's general manager after being hired in March 2017.
Their inaugural match at the Xavier University Soccer Complex on May 9, 2014 featured an appearance by soccer legend Ruud Gullit as he participated in a "Kick the Crossbar" contest and a pre-game ceremony.
The Cincinnati Dutch Lions were created and owned by Dutch Lions Capital Group BV, owners of the New York City Dutch Lions, Dayton Dutch Lions, Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions, and the Houston Dutch Lions.
CDLFC has found success in their short time including an appearance in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The ownership group of Philippo and Rack have made several changes for the club's 2017 season including purchasing a charter bus for the team, moving to the NKU Soccer Stadium as their home field and the creation of a new bar in support of the club.
In November 2019, CDLFC became the first club to join the brand new Ohio Valley Premier League which began play in 2020. Later in 2020 the CDLFC returned to the USL League Two.
Seasons SeasonRecord (W-L-D)LeagueRegular seasonPlayoffsOpen CupHead Coach20146-4-4USL PDL2nd, South Atlanticdid not qualifydid not qualifyTerry Nicholl20158-5-1USL PDL2nd, South AtlanticDivisional Playoffdid not qualifyTerry Nicholl20161-10-3USL PDL7th, Great Lakesdid not qualify1st RoundTerry Nicholl20175-6-3USL PDL4th, Great Lakesdid not qualifydid not qualifySid van Druenen20186-4-4USL PDL3rd, Great Lakesdid not qualifydid not qualifyPaul Nicholson20196-3-5USL League Two3rd, Great Lakesdid not qualifydid not qualifyPaul Nicholson2020DNP^USL League TwoN/A, Great LakesN/AN/APaul Nicholson
The Premier Development League (USL PDL) rebranded to USL League Two (USL2) after the 2018 season.
^The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Venue 2014: Xavier University 2015: Xavier University 2016: William Mason High School 2017: Northern Kentucky University 2018: Northern Kentucky University 2019: Northern Kentucky University 2020: Northern Kentucky University
Kit Kit manufacturers 2014: Nike 2015: Nike 2016: Patrick 2017: Under Armour 2018: Under Armour 2019: Under Armour 2020: Under Armour
Shirt sponsors 2014: N/A 2015: Holland Roofing 2016: Coca-Cola 2017: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell 2018: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell 2019: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell 2020: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell
Head coaches Terry Nicholl (2014–2016) Sid van Druenen (2017) Paul Nicholson (2018–2020)
Notable former players Yesin van der Pluijm signed in 2021 by Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC; Aimé Mabika 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick, 26th pick by Inter Miami CF Noah Lawrence 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick, 55th pick by Austin FC Brandon Clegg signed in 2020 by Detroit City FC Jimmy Filerman signed in 2020 by Detroit City FC; signed in 2021 by FC Tucson Connor Rutz signed in 2020 by Detroit City FC Azaad Liadi signed in 2020 by FC Tucson; signed in 2021 by South Georgia Tormenta FC Tendai Jirira signed in 2020 by Detroit City FC Wesley Storm signed in 2020 by ADO Den Haag Mark Lindstrӧm signed in 2020 by Pittsburgh Riverhounds Arthur Rogers signed in 2019 by Hartford Athletic Dani Fischer signed in 2019 by Saint Louis FC Geoffrey Dee signed in 2019 by Louisville City FC Adam Wilson 2019 MLS SuperDraft pick, 39th pick by Toronto FC Kevin Barajas signed in 2018 by Atlanta United 2 Zeus de la Paz signed in 2018 by Oldham Athletic AFC Jake Stovall 2017 MLS SuperDraft pick, 66th pick by Seattle Sounders FC. Played with Puerto Rico FC in 2017 Garrett Halfhill signed in 2017 by FC Cincinnati Jalen Brown 2017 MLS SuperDraft pick, 38th pick by New York City FC. Played with Rochester Rhinos in 2017http://www.rhinossoccer.com/news_article/show/766709? Oriol Cortes signed in 2016 by Orange County SC Kyle Smith signed in 2016 by Louisville City FC; signed in 2018 by Orlando City SC Alejandro Garcia signed in 2016 by Orlando City SC Eric Osswald signed in 2015 by Real Monarchs SLC
See also Dayton Dutch Lions Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions Miami Dutch Lions
References