After two consecutive draws against teams from North Holland (1-1 against both Volendam and AZ), PSV o15 kicked off this weekend against an opponent from South Holland: Sparta. So far this season a middle-order team. But anyone who follows youth football knows that the Sparta training is highly regarded and produced many talents. In addition, PSV o15 did not get past 2-2 in the cup earlier this season and fortunately took better penalty kicks.
In any case, PSV had an excellent start. In the 2nd minute Edwin de Wijs' team got ahead. Early team interference resulted in ball capture via Mathijs Bel. He played in Beslan Sagov on the right, who then managed to reach Mo Ihattaren. Mo then cleverly put the opening goal on the board: 1-0.
In the 5th minute PSV almost doubled the lead, but striker Jayden Braaf was just blocked at the last moment. A minute later, it was suddenly 1-1. A cross down PSV's right flank was headed back at the 2nd post after which a Spartan reacted most alertly and outsmarted goalkeeper Victor Camps.
PSV recovered quickly and regained the lead in the 10th minute. Fodé Fofana was played in on the left and passed the ball to Jayden, who (consciously or unconsciously?) delivered it to Mathijs, who ran along. Mathijs did not hesitate for a moment and scored in the right corner.
After PSV missed two opportunities to further extend their lead, the visitors had a great chance for the equalizer in the 20th minute. But a Spartan's shot went wide. It turned out to be a reprieve, however, as PSV's defense failed to clear the ball sufficiently, and Sparta took advantage of it.
PSV lost their way after this equalizer and Sparta started to taste that there was something to gain. Because PSV was just not sharp enough in the final stages, they were unable to score before half time. Both teams went to rest at 2-2.
After half time, PSV had to make a quick change because Fodé dropped out. In a slightly different lineup they continued and got some chances again. Long-distance shots by Beslan and Mo lacked precision.
Sparta also came through dangerously now and then. In the 43rd minute, the PSV defense was only just able to save at the last moment when a Spartan threatened to go off alone towards Victor. Yet it was the guests who took the lead in the 52nd minute. A high flank ball led to much commotion after which a Rotterdam player scored the 2-3.
PSV had to chase this time. And almost had success barely a minute later. But Dani Mathieu slid a hard cross from Mo just wide. In the 56th minute, captain Damian Timan seemed to shoot in the equalizer. But a very clever reflex saved the Sparta goalkeeper from scoring.
PSV finally came alongside ten minutes before time. A corner by Damian ended up at the completely free Shurandy Sambo who had all the time he needed to control the ball, set up the Christmas tree and shoot in hard. Just before the line Mathijs gave the ball another tap so that he scored his 2nd goal of the day.
The game undulated up and down in the closing stages with both teams getting chances to score their 4th goal. The biggest chance was for PSV when Shurandy stepped up and sent Jayden into the depths. His cross ended up with Mathijs who unfortunately just failed to score. A minute later it was Mathijs again who was very close to scoring the 4-3. But when he took the ball, he played it too far in front of him and the goalkeeper and Mathijs collided. Both players stayed down but were able to continue the game. However, the chance was gone.
In the closing minutes it seemed at times a siege of the Sparta goal. The Rotterdam defense did not succumb so PSV drew for the 3rd consecutive time.
The team now has a few weeks without matches. Time to recover and get rid of the aches and pains (big and small) and start fresh after the winter break.
Happy Holidays and see you next year!
Victor Camps; Lars Koolen, Mees Kreekels, Shurandy Sambo, Jochem van Dijk; Mathijs Bel, Mo Ihattaren, Damian Timan (c); Beslan Sagov (50' Dani Mathieu), Jayden Braaf, Fodé Fofana (38' Joost de Schutter).
Yellow card: Mees Kreekels