The Report
After four weeks of preparation, two practice matches (both won), one Super Cup match (lost 2-1), the start of the regular competition was now on the agenda. Today's opponent and guest: N.E.C. O15.
From the kickoff, PSV was the team with the most ball possession. Dylan Hopman was close on two occasions and Mylian Jimenez saw his free kick go over. But despite the many ball possession PSV O15 could hardly find a hole in the Nijmegen defense. Moreover, the Eindhoven team had to watch out for N.E.C. counters or stoppages. For in the 25th minute it was N.E.C. that suddenly appeared life-threatening in front of Aron van Lare's goal. The home team was lucky that the marker went over the goal. Five minutes later, the glasses finally disappeared on the scoreboard. After goalkeeper Aron van Lare curbed the Nijmegen danger halfway through his own half, he also provided an assist. His long, deep ball to Jasper Huijzer was well appreciated by Jasper. His hard, tight cross was then well shot by striker Milan van de Riet: 1-0. Before half time PSV had two more chances to extend the lead. But Jasper's effort went over and Martijn Zuiderwijk's shot hit the keeper.
After halftime, the level of play dropped quickly. PSV failed to hurt the N.E.C. defense any further. Apart from a shot by Dylan, there was nothing from the Eindhoven side. It remained exciting and N.E.C. started to get more and more faith to travel back to Gelderland with at least one point. And they did when the right-winger scored the equalizer after exactly one hour. That was all that remained so the O15's league start was not flawless. The team was unable to break down the tight Nijmegen wall today or even create holes or openings there.
Next week the second league round is on the agenda: away against Almere City.
Setup: Aron van Lare (c); D'Leanu Arts (48' Milan Vossen), Livano Comenencia, Nawaaz Landfeld, Deveron Fonville; Dylan Hopman, Mylian Jimenez, Dyon Dorenbosch (36' Mohamed Nassoh); Martijn Zuiderwijk, Milan van de Riet, Jasper Huijzer (56' Jesse Giebels).