The home game against Fc Utrecht was scheduled in the 10th round. A match between nos. 2 and 8, in which PSV had the double amount of points than its opponent (20 vs. 10). Remarkable that Fc Utrecht managed to produce 'only' 9 goals in 9 matches. But on the other hand also only 10 against. Apparently the organization was good in the previous games.
To stay close to leader Ajax, PSV could not afford to lose a point in the home match at De Herdgang. In that respect, the o15 resembles the flagship PSV 1.
Little happened on the pitch for the first fifteen minutes. PSV could not find its cadence yet, and Utrecht lurked on the counter. And that is how the guests took the lead when PSV lost the ball in midfield and Utrecht was in front of Robin Verhoeven's goal in 3 passes and scored the 0-1.
PSV was struggling in that phase. Not only with Utrecht, but also with themselves. It barely got in front of the enemy goal. Partly because the deep passes were not of the desired level.
It wasn't until the 22nd minute that the first real feat from the Eindhoven side could be noted. Amin Doudah turned free and played Kees van Lindert into the penalty area. Unfortunately he was unable to get a shot off and the ball ended up at the feet of Jeremy Antonisse, who took a hard shot. The Utrecht goalkeeper unfortunately had the short corner well protected and tapped the ball into a corner.
A minute later Utrecht had the chance for 0-2 when the striker was suddenly free in front of Robin. With a brilliant foot save he prevented a second Utrecht goal.
PSV got better halfway through the first half. They finally got some chances, but had to wait until the 30th minute when they managed to find the net. Mathijs Tielemans captured the ball halfway through the Utrecht half and sent Jeremy well into the depths. Jeremy crossed the ball well and Jason Pigmans headed in hard and with conviction: 1-1.
PSV had one more chance to take the lead before halftime. After a nice passing move by Jeremy it resulted in only a corner, which was put down by Amin at the far post. There stood Nigel Lonwijk, who shot the ball at goal. The Utrecht goalkeeper was just able to kick the ball away on the goal line to prevent the 2-1.
Due to circumstances I did not see the second half. Only the last two minutes. From the stories of others, it appeared that PSV created enough chances in the second half, but did not take advantage of them. I myself saw that the Utrecht goalie with a cat-like reflex just ticked away a shot from under the crossbar. And that Amin only hit the advertising boards with 3 clean shots.
PSV got stuck at 1-1 at home. And saw leader Ajax walk away. In that respect, the parallel with the former is quickly found. Unfortunately....
Next week the topper at home against AZ. All support in the stands is welcome.
Robin Verhoeven; Alberto Puts, Nigel Lonwijk, Joost de Schutter (c) (36' Thomas Cox), Heritier Deyonge; Mathijs Tielemans, Amin Doudah, Kees van Lindert; Jeremy Antonisse, Jur Clabbers, Jason Pigmans.