June 9, 2011

DAYTON, Ohio - University of Dayton graduate and women’s soccer star Mandi Bäck is having an outstanding season for the Dayton Dutch Lions professional club that competes in the United Soccer League (USL).

Five games into the season Bäck leads the USL W-League with 11 points. She lead the Dayton Flyers in scoring for four years and was the 2007 Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year, the 2008 All-Ohio Player of the Year and a 2009 NSCAA First Team All-American her senior year. Last year she played for the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL).

In their inaugural year in the USL W-League, the Dayton Dutch Lions women’s team is on a roll. After a tough first match, a 3-0 loss on the road to Atlanta, the DDL have come on strong, going 3-0-1 in their next four games to take first place in the USL Atlantic Division.

"I am happy for Mandi but not surprised that she is doing so well. She has continued to dedicate herself to being an outstanding player and has a passion for and understanding of the game. Hooray for the Dutch Lions and my best wishes for continued success! "

After the initial loss, Bäck has put up points in the Dutch Lions’ last four games, helping them improve to 3-1-1. She notched an assist in DDL’s first win in the W-League, a 2-1 victory over Virginia Beach on May 21. She scored the game-winning goal in the Dutch Lions’ 1-0 shutout against Charlotte on May 28 at Miami Valley South Stadium. Bäck had a goal and an assist in a 3-3 draw at the Northern Virginia Majestics on June 3. She put on a scoring display with two goals and an assist in a 4-0 win over Fredericksburg Impact on June 5.

Hoping to stay atop the Atlantic Division, the Dutch Lions will look to continue their hot streak as they take on Virginia Beach this Saturday, June 11 at home at Miami Valley South Stadium in Bellbrook, Ohio. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET.

“This season is going above expectations, being new, not knowing what to expect, and taking on teams that are established and known for success; we have been handling ourselves extremely well, ” said Dutch Lions Head Coach Mark Batman. “I think we have surprised a few teams with both our talent and playing style.”

For more information visit the Dutch Lions official website at www.dutchlionsfc.com