DAYTON, Ohio – Senior midfielder David Clemens signed a professional contract to play for the USL’s Dayton Dutch Lions FC on Thursday afternoon after an impressive four-year career at Virginia Tech.
“All of our coaches and staff are extremely excited for David,” head Coach Mike Brizendine said. “We are very proud to have had him with us for four years, and we look forward to seeing the success he will find playing professionally.”
Clemens finished his career with 18 goals, 5 assists, and 51 starts. He was a key part of the Hokies’ offense playing as the central midfielder.
The Saratoga Springs, N.Y. native had a stellar junior season recording a team-high 10 goals and 22 points, ranking him fifth in the ACC in goals, points and goals per game (0.50).
He also tallied a hat trick in the game against VMI during his junior year, and netted a game-winner in the 82nd minute of the first round match of the ACC tournament again NC State in the same season.
His senior season saw him step back into more of a defensive role, but he was still able to amass two goals and two assists.
“Since David has arrived at Virginia Tech he has always had the goal of playing professionally and I’m glad his dream is coming true,” added Brizendine. “Not only am I proud of David for achieving this goal, but I’m also proud of the fact that he left Virginia Tech with a degree.”
Clemens graduated from Virginia Tech in December with a degree in communications.
The Dayton Dutch Lions are part of the USL Professional Division, which is the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. The Lions, coached by Sid Van Druenen, finished last season at 10-9-7 before losing in the quarterfinals of the USL Pro Playoffs.
The Lions 2014 season begins on Sun., March 30 against the New York Red Bulls Reserves.