Strong ZPC Amersfoort makes ZV De Zaan go all out

The absolute top match of this Eredivisie round was ZPC Amersfoort against ZV De Zaan. The home team, just like the reigning national champions, has not lost a single match this season yet. After the victory against UZSC last weekend, the team showcased its excellent form and the positive development they have been undergoing. With the good results in mind, Mark Siewers wanted to snatch points from the strong Zaan team. The final score was 14-16 for De Zaan (5-3, 6-6, 11-13, 14-16), making it so that the Zaandammers have been unbeaten since October 2023 in the Netherlands and Europe.

Angelo Corver scored eight goals, accounting for half of Zaan's goal production this season, bringing his total to 22 goals in the league. The other goal scorers were:

Amersfoort: Max van der Werve and Sebastiaan van Mil (both 4), Dynand Muller (3), Thijmen Karel (2), and Jorren Hanselaar (1).
De Zaan: Angelo Corver (8), Pascal Janssen and Don Rempt (both 2), Chris van den Dobbelsteen, Daan Bakker, Tim Ketelaars, and Daan Ketelaars (all 1).

It was an interesting and hard-fought match between two teams that did not shy away from challenges. After falling behind, Amersfoort closed the first period with a 5-3 lead. The scoring remained evenly matched until the end of the third quarter. In the final quarter, the Zaan team showed greater endurance and, led by Corver and Bakker, extended the lead to four goals. Muller spurred his team on with two goals (13-15) for a final offensive. Corver then secured a safe margin leading to the victory.

According to the Zaan goal thief, the team had to give it their all last night. "I have a good feeling after this victory. It was a tough match and a demanding game for both teams. Knowing they were still undefeated, we knew it wouldn't be easy. We prepared well, and it paid off. The match against UZSC won't be easy either; we have to step up again."

Max van der Werve observed that the teams were evenly matched for most of the game. "We knew beforehand that De Zaan is perhaps the best team in the Netherlands. We have always struggled against them in recent years and failed to beat them. We are having a good season, and we knew we had a good chance of defeating them. We aim to finish in the top four."

Van der Werve also noticed the positive development Amersfoort has been experiencing. "Compared to last year, we are performing well this season. Sam and Thijmen are good additions, we train harder, take it more seriously, and in the matches, it becomes easier, partly because more players are scoring goals."

All game photos taken by Egbert Jan van Ommen are available on the KNZB image bank. The match with live commentary by Dennis Ketelaars can be watched on the Eyecons website.

Next week, ZV De Zaan will host UZSC, while ZPC Amersfoort will play against Polar Bears at home.