Amsterdam did not manage to convert the first match in the battle for the national title into a win. Coach Robert Tigges’ team took the lead twice against SCHC, but the opponent from Bilthoven came back twice: 2-2.
Amsterdam took the lead within the first fifteen minutes through a ticker from Fiona Morgenstern. For the attacker, it was her first goal ever in the play-offs for the national title. After the opening goal, the visitors got into the game better in the second quarter and Mette Winter scored the deserved equalizer. Winter cleverly pushed the ball under Anne Veenendaal, the keeper of Amsterdam.
Decision
After the break, the spectators in the well-filled Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam were once again entertained. The home team came out of the dressing room strongly and took a new lead early in the second half. Again Morgenstern was the finisher: 2-1.
SCHC, which had not lost a game in regular time for more than a year, pressed on in the last quarter. In the end, the pressure on the Amsterdam defense became too great and the equalizer fell three minutes before the end. Yibbi Jansen shot in a penalty corner on behalf of SCHC for the 2-2 final score.
Monday is the return between Amsterdam and SCHC in Bilthoven. The winner of that game will be crowned national champion.