Richard Ledezma’s first start for PSV’s first team since 2020 ended quickly while Taylor Booth couldn’t help Utrecht get their wheels turning against Cambuur Leeuwarden.
Go Ahead Eagles 2 – 5 PSV Eindhoven
Richard Ledezma was inserted into PSV Eindhoven’s starting lineup for the first time since returning from his long injury lay-off, however a horror tackle by the opposition ended his day early due to an ankle injury.
During his 38 minutes on the field, the American looked promising, completing 19 of 20 passes amidst his 24 total touches, hitting three long balls in four attempts, and drawing two fouls from opposing defenders.
PSV were in control from start to finish, netting their first after three minutes when Luuk de Jong angled a glancing header into the opposing goal.
While the hosts did pull even in the 14th minute on an opportunistic strike by Isac Lidberg, their self-inflicted doom began to take form just past the half-hour.
In the 32nd minute, Mats Deijl was shown a straight red for a reckless tackle from behind on Ledezma, eventually leading to the American leaving the field with significant pain six minutes later.
In the large amount of added time following the red and injury, PSV effectively put the game out of reach, with Xavi Simons restoring their lead in a blitz in the 48th minute, then Armando Obispo making it 3-1 with a header in the tenth minute of added time.
The onslaught continued after the break, with Simons breaking free on the left for their fourth goal in the 76th minute. While the hosts did pull one back with ten minutes on the clock off the foot of Oliver Edvardsen, Joey Veerman made it 5-2 in the final seconds, cleaning up from ten yards out.
Next up for first-place PSV is the first leg of their Champions League playoff against Rangers in Glasgow on Tuesday, then a short break from league action before the return leg the following Wednesday.
FC Utrecht 0 – 0 Cambuur Leeuwarden
The story of the game was wasted chances on both sides, as the two teams combined for a total of 36 shots, but without either being able to convert.
Taylor Booth started in Utrecht’s central midfield in a 3-5-2 initial formation, and completed nine of his 11 passing attempts, while taking three corners for his team.
Apart from his 14th-minute yellow card, the American did little of note, and was pulled out at halftime in favor of Can Bozdogan, the second straight game where head coach Henk Fraser opted for a double-switch at the break.
In the end, both teams held strong, and the two were forced to settle for one point for their efforts.
Utrecht are middle of the standings on two points, and will be back in action on Saturday with a visit to FC Emmen.
Notes
Cole Bassett joined Eredivisie club Fortuna Sittard on a season-long loan over the weekend, but was not yet available for their 3-0 road loss at FC Twente. He will look to make his debut on Saturday at home against Cambuur Leeuwarden.
Dante Sealy did start for PSV Eindhoven’s reserves on Monday night against FC Dordrecht in Eerste Divisit action, however had little impact in his 57 minutes as the team eventually pulled out a 1-0 home win.
Ajax reserve defender Kik Pierie had an overall decent game against Roda JC Kerkrade over the weekend, however his otherwise fine performance will be remembered by head-scratching gaffe that led to their opponents winning 1-0 on a dead-ball handball committed by the Dutch-American player.
Summer arrival Joshua Pynadath was not in uniform for AZ Alkmaar reserve’s squad 3-1 win over Helmond Sport in Eerste Divisie action on Friday.
