BEST FRANCHISE and COACH AWARD

Chicago Dutch Lions FC started playing in 2021 in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The team, lead by co-founders and co-owners Nikhil Erlebach and Bryan Sutherland, not only finished 2nd in a strong Conference with powerhouse Chicago Red Stars Reserves, but also received a lot of credits for the way the team played and how well the games were organized. The club was awarded the WPSL “Best Franchise of the Year” Award for their Conference, while Nikhil Erlebach received the “Best Coach of the Year” Award. 

In the 2021 season, the team played their inaugural game vs Chicago Red Stars on May 30. Despite being in the game until late in the 2nd half they ended up losing 4-0. A week later played their first home game at Benedictine University and tied Bavarian United 1-1. On June 10 they picked their first ever win with a 3-1 score vs Green Bay Glory, followed three days later with a 2-1 win vs rival Chicago City. Unfortunately Milwaukee Torrent won 3-2 on June 20; but the Lions bounced back with a 5-2 win on the road at Green Bay Glory on June 28 and a 1-1 tie at Chicago City. On July 8 the Lions battled Conference Champions Chicago Red Stars to a 1-1, followed by a 1-1 away at Milwaukee Torrent. On July 17 they secured 2nd place by a 1-0 win at #2 at that time Bavarian United, giving them a total of 16 points in 10 games and scoring 18 goals (vs 16).