Men’s Soccer Preview: Dayton Hosts FC Cincinnati In Saturday Exhibition

Steve Boltri
Staff Writer

Update March 23, 7:51 a.m.:

Initial Story:

The University of Dayton men’s soccer team continues its spring season against current United Soccer League, and potential future MLS team, FC Cincinnati on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Flyers will face off against FC Cincinnati for the third time in as many years, but for the first time at Baujan Field.

After two successful games at Nippert Stadium over the past two years, it was time to open up this game to the Dayton market. Dennis Currier, coach of the UD team, and Alan Koch, coach of FC Cincinnati, collaborated to make this happen.

“[Coach Koch and I] thought it would be a good idea to come down here and get a match on the home field, which is real nice to have since not many pro teams will visit you at your home venue,” Currier said.
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FC Cincinnati has followers and fans all over the country, and Dayton should be no exception to that. Saturday’s game is potentially a perfect scenario to see Baujan Field filled to capacity with a good mix of UD and FC Cincinnati fans.

Currier commented on the idea of having a large crowd show up at Baujan Field.

“I think it’s a great experience for the team, and the program, and Dayton in general,” he said.

“FC Cincinnati is pulling in crowds bigger than a lot of MLS teams so having them come up here is a good thing for the city.”
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A game against a professional opponent certainly has its positives for the UD soccer program as well.

“For the program it’s always good for perception, that we’re playing the highest level you can play in the spring,” Currier said.

As for the UD team itself, playing a professional opponent with the quality of FC Cincinnati can be beneficial for the players.

“The benefits are that they (UD players) get to see the next level,” Currier said.

“They get to experience it firsthand being on the field. The pace of the game is faster. And it gives them a little bit of exposure; obviously the coaches of the other team will get to see them. Division I is really a feeder into the pros, so it gives them an opportunity to be right in front of the coaches.”

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The fans are of the free scrimmage will benefit as well. In a 3-1 Flyer loss last season, both teams played the majority of their starters; there was no shortage of talent on the pitch. Currier expects the same this year.

“I would imagine because its a bye week they’re [FC Cincinnati] going to put their first team out there in the first half,” Currier said.

He also expects the effort level to be top notch.

“I think the guys are gonna go out there … and they’re gonna work their tails off. We always approach the spring with a competitive nature,” Currier stated.

Win, lose, or draw, this game is slated to be a positive experience for everyone involved.

Admission to the game Baujan Field is free. For those who can’t make it out to the field, the game will be aired on Fox Sports Ohio and available for live stream on the Fox Sports Go app.

Due to weather concerns, a decision on the game’s status will be made Friday. Follow @FlyerNewsSports for updates.

Photo Taken By Steve Miller/Sports Editor