Jong AZ was no match for Willem II at Sportpark Kalverhoek. The U23 team had little grip on the Brabanders, who returned home with a 0-2 victory. Jong AZ is now back in the right row after eight games.
The Alkmaarders entered with the strongest possible offensive line. Jayden Addai, Mexx Meerdink and Ernest Poku already shone with the Under 20s in the Youth League and were preferred by trainer Jan Sierksma. At the back, what Jong AZ showed looked less convincing. Shooter at Jong AZ in the defense in the first ten minutes, which was immediately punished by Willem II. Svensson convincingly pulled the trigger from outside the box and scored the 0-1 with an unstoppable ball in the intersection.
AZ’s promising team was not involved in the first half. Jayden Addai’s injury was also a blemish. Jong AZ’s top scorer with six goals left halfway and was replaced by Ro-Zangelo Daal. Only after more than half an hour of play did Jong AZ face the first danger. He dribbled into the box, but his shot was blocked by the keeper. A minute later, Meerdink placed a free kick on the fists of Willem II goalkeeper Joshua Smits.
Save
The Alkmaarders made two remarkable substitutions during half-time. Maxim Dekker and Mexx Meerdink were replaced by Misha Engel and Kees Smit and they therefore appear to join the first team’s selection on Sunday. After the break, Jong AZ could not make much progress against Willem II. The Tilburg team were the dominant party and deservedly took a 2-0 lead. Jesse Bosch shot the ball beautifully from 23 meters behind Jong AZ goalkeeper Jayden-Rome Owudo-Oduro. The Alkmaarders could not offer much in return and therefore the score remained the same.
Jong AZ is stuck at eleven points and is suddenly in the right row after the defeat. Willem II climbs over the team.
Jong AZ line-up: Owusu-Oduro; Van Aken, Postma, Dekker (Engel/46), Stam; Schouten, Kwakman, Kewal (Koster/75); Poku (Reverson/66), Meerdink (Smit/46), Addai (Daal/23)