The report

Because the cancelled game against FC Volendam most likely still has to be played, today the penultimate league game was on the program. And not just one! Champion AZ traveled to the south of Holland to face PSV at De Herdgang. For PSV, the third place was at stake. After losing last Tuesday in Volendam (2-1 in the last minute), they were tied with Feyenoord. Admittedly with an extra game to come, but keeping third place would still be a bit of a reward for the team that has undeniably grown during the season.

Under warm conditions, the match began with a minute's silence in memory of the father of a PSV youth player who sadly passed away last week. After the ball got rolling, the first chance was for the home team. Jasper Huijzer reached the running Dyon Dorenbosch, but his effort went wide. It took until after the drinking break before there was anything to report: a chance for AZ when a winger crossed the ball hard and (fortunately) no AZ player could put a foot in it. AZ played a little easier football, but PSV had most of the opportunities for the opening goal. After Jasper turned his heels on three Alkmaar players in the 27th minute, he just couldn't reach a fellow player for the goal. Moments later Jasper shot wide via the leg of an AZ defender in a promising position. Thus both teams rested 0-0.

After halftime, AZ threatened with a few shots in the first phase. But substitute goalkeeper Jules Janssen was able to save with relative ease each time. Halfway through the second half, the home team had another opportunity to score. After a long, good attack over several drives, Dylan Hopman was able to put the ball down at the far post where Deveron Fonville headed in. But again the ball went wide. PSV tried to force the 1-0 and through shots from Jenson Seelt and Jasper Huijzer and a dangerous free kick from Mylian Jimenez it came close to the opening goal. In the final minute, however, AZ took full advantage of a loss of ball around the center circle and punished the visitors hard: 0-1. Just before, the guests had also come close to taking the lead, but a PSV player was able to block a shot on goal.

Thus, like last Tuesday, PSV lost in the closing minutes against a team from North Holland. Both times there was at least a draw in it. But at the final signal, the team found itself with empty hands.

Because Feyenoord did win today, the O15 must win the catch-up game against Volendam to still finish in third place. First up is the famous Marveld Toernooi in Groenlo next weekend.

Setup: Aron van Lare (c) (36' Jules Janssen); D'Leanu Arts, Jenson Seelt, Jesse Giebels, Nawaaz Landfelt; Mylian Jimenez, Dylan Hopman, Dyon Dorenbosch; Jasper Huijzer, Milan van de Riet, Mohamed Nassoh (47' Deveron Fonville).

Yellow card: D'Leanu Arts