Devon De Corte’s two goals made him man of the match, while Reynolds didn’t do so badly himself, providing an assist in Westerlo’s win.
Francs Borains 3 – 3 Anderlecht Futures
In Challenger Pro League action over the weekend, former Philadelphia Union youth Devon De Corte made the Anderlecht senior team’s coach sit up and take notice as the attacking midfielder attacked and scored twice in the first half of Anderlecht’s reserve team’s D2 game against Royal Francs Borains.
The Bucks County PA native found the back of the net for only the first time this season with his 14th minute strike after his Congolese teammate, Samuel Ntanda set him up. Things only got better for the visitors when a clumsy challenge in the box forced the referee to point to the spot. After providing the assist, Ntanda was given the ball and scored a goal of his own.
Things couldn’t have gone much better for the Futures when practically on the stroke of half time, De Corte was celebrating yet again. With a three-goal lead, it should have been game over but the team from the Mons area in Wallonia did not plan to call it a night.
Thirteen minutes after the re-start RFB struck back. It was local boy and former Red Bull Salzburg Belgian, Massimo Bruno finding the back of the net to give the home fans something to cheer about. The cheers became even louder when defender Dorian Dessoleil brought the Borinage Boys to within a goal in the 79th minute.
The game became more physical as both teams pushed forward but again it was Dessoleil, the unlikeliest of goal scorers finding the back of the net yet again five minutes after his first.
The game became a bit ugly late on with Francs Borains having two men shown red deep in stoppage time. It was two points thrown away for Anderlecht II but after the international break they’ll get back to business when they host fourth place Lommel.
You can re-visit the YA interview with De Corte by clicking here.
Westerlo 2 – 0 Leuven
Bryan Reynolds started at right back for Westerlo but his American teammate, Griffin Yow, never got off the bench when Oude-Heverlee Leuven came to town for a Sunday night Pro League clash. The Texan also provided the assist on the second goal.
Both sides had some early chances, but it was Nacho Ferri who finally broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Japanese defender Takuma Ominami misjudged the high ball, and the Spanish striker smashed it into the back of the net to celebrate his 21st birthday.
Ten minutes before the intermission the Spaniard was offered another birthday present when Arthur Piedfort served the ball into the box and right on his head, but the front man declined and headed it wide.
Second half sub Youssef Maziz, who scored against Anderlecht last week was looking to do the same again this week but although his shot hit the target and the keeper was going the wrong way, Andreas Jungdal did manage to stick a leg out to deflect the shot out of harm’s way.
Leuven looked the likelier team to score but in the 77th minute, any hopes on an equalizer were dashed when Reynolds pushed forward and crossed the ball toward the far post. Ferri made a feint but left the ball for Scotsman, Adedire Mebude, who turned his defender and blasted the ball into the back of the net.
The win sees Westerlo jump up to ninth place while the Leuven team is just one spot out of last place. Up next will be a visit to Wallonia to take on new boys La Louviere.
Notes
Marlon Fossey sat out Standard Liege’s trip to Brussels to take on Anderlecht because of last week’s red card as les Rouches lost this one by the narrow margin of a goal to none. Next up, after the international break of course, will be a visit from Royal Antwerp.
After holding onto a 1-0 half time lead, Jamath Shoffner‘s Lierse side let it slip away in the second half as Patro Eisden scored twice late in the second half. Next up will be a visit from Royal Liege.