Local derby victory for ZPC Amersfoort in intense top clash against UZSC

In a thrilling match last night, ZPC Amersfoort secured the victory in Utrecht. Amersfoort, led by five goals from Max van der Werve, defeated UZSC 10-12 (1-4, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12). Other scorers for Amersfoort were Mart Hoegen (3), Sebastiaan van Mil (2), Jorren Hanselaar, and Jort van der Werve (1 each). For UZSC, the scorers were Andras Garancsy (3), Hugo de Vrije, Filip Josipovic, Imme van der Schaaf (2 each), and Renzo Edelbroek (1). The match was officiated by Emanuel Taylan and Peter de Jong.

After falling behind in the first minute against the undefeated UZSC, Mark Siewers' team rallied to end the first period with a comfortable 1-4 lead. The derby in the heart of the country was intense and physical. Both teams were determined to snatch points from each other. Experienced Amersfoort goalkeeper Clement Stegman is pleased with the victory.

'It was an intense match, a true local derby between two evenly matched teams. You could feel the significance of the game and both teams gave their all to win. So, to secure points here feels good. We have no complaints.'

Following the visitors' comeback in the first period, the match was evenly poised. Both teams played at full throttle, leading to high tensions both in the water and on the sidelines. Sebastiaan Brands' team started the second period very strongly with two quick goals, narrowing the gap to just one goal (3-4). Amersfoort played disciplined and according to plan, striking at the right moments towards the end of the second period and the start of the third.

The competitiveness between the two teams was evident not only in this game but also in their playoff clashes last season. The 7-10 goal by Mart van der Werve at the beginning of the final period provided breathing space for Amersfoort, as UZSC fought back strongly through Edelbroek to make it 10-11 before Hoegen sealed the final score. Brands noted that his team did not reach the level they are capable of.

With this victory, Amersfoort is now just one point behind UZSC, who extended their lead due to ZV De Zaan's win. Next Saturday, UZSC will play away against ZVL-1886, while Amersfoort faces ZV De Zaan in a crucial match. Stegman sees his team in good form.

'We are having a solid season with a dynamic and young team that has a good mix of young talent and experienced players. We are playing well and consistently; our goal remains to secure a top-four spot, as anything can happen in the playoffs.'

According to coach Brands, it was a bitter defeat, but he knows what the team needs to do.

'We believe in our abilities and will push forward. We won't be disheartened by this setback. It's a disappointing loss, but it's not the end. We are a work in progress and know we need to step up and set our strategies even better.'

Check out the Eredivisie standings and schedule. All match photos are available on the KNZB image bank.