In a clash of Yanks, the trio of Reynolds, Yow and Zahiroleslam shared the spoils in a six goal thriller in northern Belgium.
Westerlo 3 – 3 Sint-Truiden
It was a good night for the Yanks in Westerlo on Friday night. Bryan Reynolds was in the starting line-up, as usual for the hosts but so was Griffin Yow. The winger put in a 70 minute shift, while Reynolds went the distance and provided an assist on his team’s first goal.
On the other side of the field, Kahveh Zahiroleslam also got the nod and the attacker play 79 minutes. He, too, provided an assist on his team’s first strike.
It was an entertaining game where the Canaries took a very early lead but in stoppage time conceded the goal that saw them throw away two points. It was a much needed point for Westerlo who have picked up just 5 points out of a possible 12 and still find themselves in the relegation zone.
What looked like a foul at the top of the box to everyone but the referee, play continued and with his team mate down from the tackle, Zahiroleslam grabbed the ball and made the short quick pass to Eric Bocat who made a short dribble to his right and took his shot on the left of the D. It ended up right inside the near post. The net rippled after just five minutes.
Ten minutes later it was Reynolds’ turn to provide an assist. The movement started from a corner that STVV had trouble clearing. It fell to the American defender to the right of the box. After running around a defender, he got his pass off to Emin Bayram in the six yard area, who smashed it home.
Just after the half hour mark, Nicolas Madsen gave Westerlo the lead going into the locker room for the intermission. Aboubakary Koita scored the next two goals, one from the penalty spot but a big deflection of Matija Frigan’s shot in the 91st minute ended up in the back of the net to rescue a point
After the international break, the two Americans will head into Wallonia to take on Sporting Charleroi, while Zahiroleslam and his Canaries host the Belgian champions, Royal Antwerp.
Eupen 1 – 3 Molenbeek
The Pandas of Eupen returned to losing ways when they hosted Pro League newcomers Molenbeek and surrendered three goals after taking the lead on the half hour mark. Gabriel Slonina was between the posts for the hosts, surrendering a hat trick of goals to the visitors.
Isaac Nuhu scored in the 30th minute, to the delight of the home fans, his fourth of the season. The celebrations lasted all of five minutes because Xavier Mercier struck from about 15 yards into the far post. Shuto Abe then gave Molenbeek the lead with his first goal of the season after the intermission. Romildo Del Piage put the game to bed with just three minutes left on the clock.
Eupen’s loss leaves them in 12th place, just a point above the relegation zone. Up next is a road trip to take on Cercle Brugge.
Genk 3 – 1 Leuven
Ever present Mark McKenzie started in the middle of defense and helped the Smurfs pick up the win after a couple of not very good results in the league and Europe. Bryan Heynen scored in the 25th and 90th minutes of the game, and that was topped off with a 95th minute Daniel Munoz strike, his fifth of the season. Jonatan Braut Brunes goal was nothing more than a consolation strike.
After the international break, fourth place Genk will make the trip south to Liege to take on Standard.
Notes
Still out from injury, Sam Vines missed out on Antwerp’s thrashing of Standard Liege by a 6-0 score line on Saturday afternoon. Marlon Fossey picked up a slight knock as well, so he didn’t take part either.
Next up for both teams after the international break will be a trip to Sint-Truiden for the Antwerpers, while Fossey and Standard welcome Genk to town.
Alex Mighten didn’t make the team sheet when Kortrijk traveled to Brussels to take on league leaders USG. The Kerels probably wished they hadn’t boarded the bus because they were shut-out 3-0. After the break, last place KVK will host 11th place Mechelen.