Ajax U23 endure forgettable evening against VVV-Venlo

The home side made a disappointing start to the return of league action. VVV-Venlo have enjoyed a strong season so far and arrived in Amsterdam sitting third in the league table. Ajax U23, meanwhile, are still searching for consistency. Carlos García’s side began the matchday in seventeenth place in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, having lost five of their opening nine league matches and won only two.

There was little sign of improvement in the early stages. Following a moment of recognition for the Week of the Referee before kick-off, VVV-Venlo struck in the fourth minute. The Ajax defence was caught out by a ball in behind, allowing Edhy Zuliani to give the visitors an early lead. Goalkeeper Charlie Setford was left with no chance as the ball found the back of the net.

Ajax U23 responded positively. After good build-up play from Emre Ünüvar and Jano Monserrate, Leo Salazar found himself in a promising position. The winger hesitated for a split second too long and saw his effort blocked by a defender. Before the half-hour mark, Ünüvar was presented with another excellent opportunity. Right winger Pharell Nash put the striker through one-on-one with goalkeeper Schoonderwaldt, but the attempt flew onto the roof of the net. As a result, Ajax U23 went into the break still trailing by a single goal.

The second half offered an opportunity to get back into the game, but the situation only worsened for the hosts. Just before the hour mark, Leon Gino Schmidt doubled VVV-Venlo’s advantage. Following a corner, the unmarked striker first headed towards goal before converting the rebound from close range. Setford could do little to prevent the second attempt finding the net. A few minutes later, the Ajax goalkeeper did produce a fine save to deny Ait Mouhou.

The cold and wet evening became even more difficult for Ajax U23. After Jahyendrow Amour fouled Zuliani, the visitors were awarded a penalty. Philip Heise made no mistake from the spot, sending Setford the wrong way to make it 0-3.

To complete a miserable evening, Ajax U23 were reduced to ten men. Substitute Diego Pugno appeared to lose possession before arriving late with a challenge. The referee immediately produced a red card, dismissing the Italian with fifteen minutes left to play. By then, the match had truly slipped away from Ajax U23.

Ajax U23 – VVV-Venlo 0-3 (0-1)
Ajax U23: Setford; Van de Pavert, Spina, Muzungu, De Falco (46. Amour); Monserrate, Johnson (73. Camara), Aballa; Nash (73. Simeon), Ünüvar (85. Da Silva), Salazar (59. Pugno).

Special.: 76. Red card Pugno