The first time !
There is a first time for everything, including our new D3. First time on a big field, first time with the fancy away clothes, first time on field 7, and for the goalkeepers a first time in a big goal. And big it was, but this was also true for the German opponents from Essen.
For the first time also 3 times 20 minutes (this would become 2 times 30 minutes in the "league").
Normally the players have grown a few centimeters after the summer vacation (and this will be the case) but on the big field they still seemed to be "little ukkies".
Now, those "little ukkies" play handsome and solid football and Rot Weis Essen will have known that.
Brand new additions Raphael and Stan were allowed to start right away and the football show that we were used to from last season was clearly not far away, there were still some boys searching for the right position, but trainer Colin knew how to place his pawns right away.
The match then, PSV from kickoff immediately in possession of the ball and the first chance was for our boys. Cody with a "shot" but not firm enough, a pick up for the visiting goalkeeper. After 5 minutes the first real attack by PSV and immediately goal. Jordan nicely passed his opponent, up to the goal line, perfect cross to his mate Robin and he had the corner to choose from. 1-0.
After 8 minutes the answer from RWE. First time over the center line, ball is played nice and deep, but offside, at least according to everyone, except the referee, who lets it continue and Stan is therefore without a chance. 1-1 restart.
Next chance for Jordan, he circles the keeper but is slightly off balance and misses his chance to score. RWE's reply can count again, Essen's striker alone on Stan, but he narrows his goal well, preventing the visitors' lead. After a corner kick by PSV, the ball lands at the feet of Baggio and "de Kanjer" pounds the leather high into the roof of the goal. 2-1.
At the start of the second period, the visiting defense fumbles a lot and the ball comes into the feet of Cody, who goes off alone towards goal but is foul stopped in the big rectangle. First time penalty kick, Cody's ball is stopped by the goalkeeper but James followed well and tapped it past the goalkeeper. 3-1.
Most of the football is played on the axis of the field and on the sides there is a huge space, coach Colin therefore calls his players to play more on the flanks, but football is fun and everyone wants that ball of course..... Jordan and Raphael still decide on the goalkeeper but each time the blast is blocked.
In the third period, that "good old" Cody gets past everything and everyone with his "good old" familiar rushes but the finishing is just short of sharp. Next chance again for PSV with a beautiful pass from Bjorn to Cody but again just not. PSV spills with chances and then it is always watch out for the other side. And indeed they counter dangerously again but Armando comes to Lars' assistance and the danger is nullified.
TGV Bosma has not lost any of his speed from last season, on the contrary, lightning fast along the sideline, good cross to Roland but great save from the Essen goalkeeper.
On a counter from RWE is played deep again, again offside and again there is no whistle, and again the goal. Déjà vu? It's 3-2 though.
A last counterattack by RWE, Arne comes out of goal, forces the striker to the outside, but this one can still kick, but Armando can turn on the goal line.
On a shot from Essen, Arne can prevent the 3-3. Counter by PSV now, which ends in a corner kick.
It is kicked by Cody, extended by Raphael to Robin who does not hesitate, 4-2. The final score
Good game by PSV but with the counterattacks by RW Essen it was always watchful. Deserved victory!
So we did not miss the start of the new season. This tastes like more.
Report with thanks to Joël Lekens