NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions had quite an introduction for its inaugural WPSL season. 

The Fort Myers-area club saw 609 spectators attend its June 3, 2017 home match vs. DME WFC, a Sunshine Conference record. The fans did not leave disappointed, for it saw the home side score a late-winning goal for a 2-1 victory.

"The moment when we scored in the 87th minute was the one we will never forget," Dutch Lions FC coach Vincent de Weger said. "Our Orange Family jumped up, lighted smoke (flares) and started dancing and singing. It was an unbelievable moment in our franchise's history."

Ahead of their second season in the league, the Dutch Lions are already building upon its reach within the Southwest Florida community.

The youth club and academy continues to grow, which has led to the strong grassroots support of the WPSL club.  

"Our community wants to see high-level games like these," de Weger said. "Our youth academy is important for our club, and we are happy to show them this kind of level with our WPSL club.

"This is one of the many reasons we returned to WPSL for our second season. Our home opener in June will be a great day. We already have supporters working on chants and stuff like that."