In the Battle of the Yanks, neither claimed victory in their play-off clash in Liege.
Standard Liege 1 – 1 Westerlo
In this battle of the Yanks, the fans were treated to a stalemate as neither side was able to find a winner after both goals were struck in the second half. Marlon Fossey continued in his starting position in the midfield and he even provided les Rouches’ assist. On the other side, Bryan Reynolds also did the full 90 but Griffin Yow was neither on the field nor the bench. His whereabouts are unknown.
It probably seems to the neutral fan of Belgian football that neither of these teams really wants to win a game and are happy that they are not in the relegation play-off group. When Standard looked to be about to pick up their first play-off victory, having gone ahead in the 59th minute with Dennis Eckert Ayensa’s seventh strike of the season, Westerlo fought back.
Second half Ukranian sub, Serhii Sydorchuk at least contributed to the Westerlo cause in the 87th minute with a difficult shot from a tight angle that found its way into the host’s goal. The rescued point meant very little as the Gamecocks, as their current form suggests that they will not be claiming a European place. They have not yet been mathematically eliminated, however. Up next will be a trip to take on second place Mechelen.
Next up Standard will be a visit from fourth place OH Leuven.
Notes
Kahveh Zahiroleslam again stayed rooted to the Sint-Truiden bench when the Canaries went up against Cercle Brugge in their relegation play-off group battle. The 3-1 win justified the exclusion of the American who is out of contract in June. With three games left, it’s still too close to call as to whether survival will be assured. Next up however, will be a road trip to Brugge to take on Cercle.
Justin Che continued at right back as Patro Eisden came away with a 1-0 win against Eupen. The win and the fact that Deinze has gone bankrupt means that the Flemish side will go into the play-offs as they look to compete at the highest level next season. Zulte-Waregem and RAAL La Louviere have already been promoted so there is one more place left.
Anderlecht Futures were destroyed by Beveren in the last game of the season 4-0 on Friday night. Though they had nothing to play for, it was an important motivational win for SK who will also be going into the play-offs for promotion to the Pro League. Devon De Corte played 73 minutes in the defeat as his season has ended. Standby however for a Yanks Abroad exclusive interview with the 18 year old Pennsylvanian.
Kayden Pierre went the distance for the Genk Reserves as they had little to play for with the team already relegated to the Belgian third division. It ended 3-1 against Jamath Shoffner‘s Lierse.
