Five years since they last won the league, 2023 now sees the hat-trick. New manager Suzanne Bakker's team were up against FC Twente, unassailable all season. The Tukkers never let up, scored countless times and seemed to be heading for the top once again after Ajax Women drew against Feyenoord on 4 March. After FC Twente were beaten by Fortuna Sittard in the same round, the Amsterdam team suddenly had the league championship back in reach, trailing by just two points.
Both teams won their next matches, meaning the big game on Saturday, 29 April would be the decider. Ajax Women beat FC Twente 1-0 before a capacity crowd at de Toekomst thanks to a goal from Tiny Hoekstra, with one game still in hand. Already one point ahead, the Amsterdam team travelled to PEC Zwolle on Sunday.
Leuchter breaks the spell
Ajax Women had a narrow escape in the opening stages, with Senne van de Velde hitting the post in the eighth minute. Moments later it was their turn. Leuchter was galvanized into action by Nadine Noordam and angled a shot: 1-0.
In the closing stages of the first half, the away team sealed victory. Although only after goalie Lize Kop distinguished herself brilliantly deflecting a shot away with the agility of a cat. Her teammate forwards then got down to some serious business. Leuchter set up an almost unmissable opportunity for Quinty Sabajo, and in injury time the Ajax top scorer made it 3-0 herself by keeping neatly on top of things.
No worries in the second half
So the Ajax Women had it in the bag, and could just freewheel in the second half. Which is what they did. Leuchter again played a part in making it 4-0, four minutes into the second half. Her cross was upgraded to a goal by Tiny Hoekstra off a Zwolle leg.
Ashleigh Weerden then also joined in. She curved a perfect spiralling assist to Hoekstra making it 5-0, then scored herself to make it 6-0. PEC Zwolle saved face a little in the closing stages, but that didn't spoil the fun in the Amsterdam camp. And with that, Ajax Women ended up top of the league, with 56 points from 20 games.
PEC Zwolle – Ajax Women 1-6 (0-3)
9. Leuchter 0-1
43. Sabajo 0-2
45+1. Leuchter 0-3
49. Hoekstra 0-4
59. Hoekstra 0-5
65. Weerden 0-6
82. Van Egmond 1-6
