Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC (PDL) continue to make splashes in the local soccer fray, naming former FC Cincinnati player Paul Nicholson as the club’s Head Coach for the 2018 season. Nicholson, who retired from professional soccer on November 6th, had made mention of his desire to enter the coaching ranks. The appointment of Nicholson allows him to immediately begin his new career and will bring local name recognition to the premier amateur club in the region.
Brandon Ponchak, General Manager and Assistant Coach of CDLFC commented, “the Cincinnati Dutch Lions have created a highly professional environment for players to develop, compete, and excel. Prospective professional players can achieve their dreams of professional soccer through CDLFC as five players have already moved into the professional ranks and with more signings coming soon. Landing a coach like Paul is an incredible grab for our club. Paul has the PDL and professional experience that can help our players continue to the next levels.”
The club announced the move on their website on Wednesday. Nicholson had this to say on his appointment, “I’m very excited to take the next step in my career and extremely grateful to be given the opportunity by the Cincinnati Dutch Lions. From my short time with the Club, it seems like a fantastic place to coach and a top destination for aspiring professional soccer players. I want to thank Hans Philippo, Mike Mossel, and Bob Rack for giving me this opportunity. I know first-hand the importance of the PDL experience and CDLFC has all the resources to become a top club.”
Nicholson, a native of England, has played his entire professional soccer career in the states. After college, he played in the PDL with the West Virginia Chaos. He then went to Phoenix for a year before earning a USL spot with the Wilmington Hammerheads. Playing as a utility player, Nicholson scored six goals and made 119 appearances in Wilmington. In 2016 he signed with the newly formed FC Cincinnati as a founding squad member.
WATCH: Tonight's halftime feature on trusty veteran @paulnicholson8. Debuted moments ago on @Star64WSTR. pic.twitter.com/I8KRLJ0vac
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) July 30, 2017
Image from the Cincinnati Enquirer
Nicholson quickly became a fan favorite in year one. Starting most games in midfield, he helped FC Cincinnati solidify a 3rd place finish on the table. He was also credited with helping bring Crystal Palace to town in 2016. Paul has been very active in the community, helping with a number of charitable causes. He has coached youth soccer locally and even hosted a camp with Kings Hammer after his retirement. It is fair to say that the Cincinnati Dutch Lions have picked a winner. Not only does Paul bring a full career of experience, he brings the love of Cincinnati fans.
The Dutch Lions have taken the soccer boom in Cincinnati seriously. In just a couple years the club has invested heavily in the future by hiring more personal while playing in a soccer-specific stadium at NKU. CDLFC also co-branded with the new bar/restaurant, House of Orange, in Covington, KY which is known for busing fans to soccer matches in town. Dutch Lions games were a joy to watch last year and expect big things for the 2018 season.
Stay tuned as Cincinnati Soccer Talk will have more exciting news regarding Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC soon.
@BostonKeith for @CincySoccerTalk
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