St. Louis Lions Earn First PDL Victory

The St. Louis Lions came back from a 0-2 half time deficit this evening to earn their first Premier Development League (PDL) victory against the Sioux Falls Spitfire, winning 3-2 on Lawrence Olum’s (Kenya/Missouri Baptist) second goal of the game in the 88th minute. The honor of scoring the first goal in Lion’s history goes to Beau Willett (Hannibal 2001/St. Mary’s University) who’s shot from just outside the six yard box split two defenders and got by the goalkeeper at the near post in the 62nd minute.

The Lion’s adjustment at halftime, moving to a 3-5-2 formation, allowed them to move the ball almost at will up the wings as they attacked the Spitfire defense throughout the second half. With slick conditions due to a constant drizzle throughout the match, the Lion’s controlled play by switching the ball regularly and finding the outside midfielder with space to move. Lawrence Olum’s two goals both came from corner kicks, the first in the 72nd minute when he nodded his shot down into the lower left hand corner of the net, tying the game. The game winner, also scored on a header, was a low driving ball ahead of a reckless challenge by the defender.

I also have a short audio interview with Head Coach Tony Glavin that I’ll add on my return to Springfield.

The Lion’s lost their opener on Saturday 0-2 to the defending PDL Champion Des Moines Menace. Their next home game is next Sunday, May 21st at 5:00pm. The Kansas City Brass, coached by the Roblee’s, will be visiting in a Heartland Conference match up. Video highlights of the Spitfire’s loss to the Springfield Storm last summer can be seen here.