Dayton Dynamo set for playoff opener Saturday

They’ve gone from last to first, and the Dayton Dynamo aren’t finished yet.

Cellar dwellers a year ago, the Dynamo finished this season 6-3-3, tied with Erie for first place in the NPSL Midwest Region’s East Conference standings — although the Commodores secured the conference title because of the overall goal differential.

In their second season, the Dynamo are playoff-bound and will face conference rival Erie on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Gannon University in Erie.

“If we can go from dead last in our conference to one of the top 20 teams in the country in one and a half years, the Dayton Dynamo have one bright future,” Dynamo president David Satterwhite said. “This playoff berth is so incredibly rewarding for all of us involved in the club.”

Coach Dan Griest began putting this team together shortly after the Dynamo’s inaugural season.

“The process to bring this group together truly began back in September and October, so to have all of the pieces come together and see the vision of building a team that could not only compete in the Eastern Conference of the NPSL, but challenge to be one of the best teams in the league, come to fruition nine months later is extremely rewarding,” Griest said.

“I could not be more proud of our group and the dedication and commitment they have shown throughout the season, and we welcome the challenge of going to Erie to try to further extend our season while competing for the city of Dayton.”

Veteran Dynamo players Eric Hutton, Tristan Lyle and Peyton Mowery, all of whom have played through the highs and lows of the past two seasons, weigh in on the playoffs?

Hutton, defender: "After our rough season last year, I think Dan has done a great job recruiting and getting the right guys to put us in the right spot. I'm very excited to see how we do on Saturday and I'm also very excited to see what the future holds for this team. It's always nice to play for a team that is competing every day and gives you quality competition for my upcoming college season."

Lyle, forward: "My ultimate goal is to be a professional and the playoffs are where you can be seen. After last season's struggles, I wanted to make sure this summer I would play for a team that would be able to compete at a high level. This team is a completely different group than last year's bunch, and I'm happy I stuck with the Dynamo and humbled that we have an opportunity to make a mark in these playoffs."

Peyton Mowery, defender: "Making the playoffs is exciting and a huge accomplishment, but the fact that it's with this team makes it that much better. Not only have we improved a huge amount from last year, but I have grown up with many of the guys on the team, being that many of us are from the Dayton area. Playing with these guys is like playing with brothers and being from the Dayton area it's exciting to represent my hometown."

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