Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest teamed up to find a goal as the Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven secured the win over Utrecht.
Utrecht 1-2 PSV
PSV extended its lead at the top of the standings to 11 points as the team fought hard for the win over Utrecht at Stadion Galgenwaard.
Ricardo Pepi started and played 89 minutes, making 29 touches and putting one shot on target. Sergino Dest also started and played the entire game, completing 89 percent passing, winning eight duels, making three key passes, and taking one shot.
Utrecht opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Mike van der Hoorn headed in a powerful header from Siebe Horemans’ cross.
The momentum shifted just minutes into the second half when PSV leveled the score. Dest took a pass from Paul Wanner to deliver a low cross into the 18-yard-box. Pepi was on the spot to steer his shot past Utrecht goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas. They took the lead in the 76th minute when Ivan Persic headed in Joey Veerman’s corner kick.
The champions had to play with 10 men in the latter stages of the game when Jerdy Schouten received a second yellow card, but they were able to extend their 14th consecutive away win.
Notes
Around the Eredivisie, Philippe Sandler steered the backline for NEC Nijmegen as they shared the spoils with Ajax following a 2-2 tie.
Down in the Eerste Divisie, Jalen Hawkins played the entire second half and scored a goal in Emmen’s 4-2 loss to Almere City.
Lawson Sunderland played 51 minutes, while Joshua Pynadath was an unused substitute as Dodrecht fell in a 3-1 defeat to Venlo.
Follow Yanks Abroad on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for news and views on Americans playing the beautiful game worldwide as well as the U.S. national teams.