MD 17: FC AMSTERDAM 2-0 ATHENS KERBEROS

Amsterdam ace out Athens in lower midtable clash

By: Ray Porter

Matchday 17 would see FC Amsterdam face Athens Kerberos in a home match between closely matched teams, as both teams sat on 17 points prior to the kick-off. The Tulips would start in a 343 formation, featuring debutant Karl Maurer on the left of the backline. Kerberos trusted in a 433 formation, in which Aaron Hugues held down the midfield as the central defensive midfielder.

The game would prove itself as an uneventful affair, as both teams kept a defensive approach. After 19 minutes, Amsterdam would combine themselves into the Athens box, where their captain Jack David would fire a ball wide from a very promising position. Shortly before halftime, Athens should have scored as Jon Hunt was left alone by Arlo Jones, but the American headed the ball wide. With both teams missing their only chance, it was level at the break.

Speaking of breaks: Jan Kurnik was sent off in the 79th minute after nearly breaking Arlo Jones' legs with a reckless challenge, despite objections by Amsterdam's captain that his player went down too easily and fell “like a woman”. Despite this, Jack David would stand over the resulting freekick, about 22 meters from goal. With great power, he would kick it over the wall, the ball landing in the top corner. Kurnik's red card would open the floodgates as Blatand would find his partner Cole Vickers with a low cross, who finished his chance when facing the keeper.

Amsterdam went on to win the game 2-0, climbing up to 8th place at this time.