Jano Monserrate fired AjaxU23 to victory away at Almere City FC on Friday evening with the only goal of the game. His headed winner, scored fifteen minutes from time, proved enough to seal a 0-1 win and secure Ajax U23's first away victory of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie season.
After fifteen minutes, Ajax U23 rather unfortunately conceded a penalty. Following an Almere City FC corner, the visitors cleared the ball high into the air. It eventually dropped onto the upper arm of Sinclair de Falco, seemingly without the defender noticing. The referee had no doubts and pointed straight to the spot.
Almere striker Ferdi Druijf stepped up for the home side but blasted his effort high over the crossbar. Neither team managed to find the net before half-time.
Shortly after the restart, Jong Ajax created their first major opportunity. Sloppy defending from Almere City gifted the ball to Emre Ünüvar. The winger drove towards goal but was denied by goalkeeper Speel. The rebound also fell kindly for Ünüvar, but his second effort was cleared off the line.
Monserrate the match-winner
At the other end, Emanuel Poku struck the side-netting during an Almere City counter-attack. Moments later, it was Jong Ajax's turn to threaten again. Pharell Nash received the ball on the left flank and delivered a cross towards the far post, where Monserrate had been left completely unmarked. The defender headed home to make it 0-1.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Jong Ajax's victory never looked seriously under threat in Almere.
Gerónimo Spina and Anass Moumane also made their competitive debuts for Jong Ajax on Friday evening.
Almere City FC - Jong Ajax 0-1 (0-0)
73. Monserrate 0-1
Jong Ajax: Heerkens; Van de Pavert, Spina, Muzungu, De Falco; Verkuijl (45+3. Peters), Abdalla (49. Acheampong), Monserrate (75. Johnson); Ünüvar (75. Simeon), Pugno, Nash (83. Moumane)
The reserve-team clash between PSV U23 and Ajax U23 ended in a 1-1 draw on Monday evening. Ajax U23 deservedly took the lead against PSV U23 after fifteen minutes of play. Emre Ünüvar put the Amsterdam side 0-1 ahead. Although PSV U23 created the first chance of the match, Ajax U23 gradually took control thereafter. That dominance was rewarded with Ünüvar’s opening goal.
Ajax U23 secured their first victory of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie season on Friday evening. Carlos García's side defeated Helmond Sport 3-2 at de Toekomst.
With the summer transfer window now closed, Ajax has entered relatively calmer waters. The focus can once again be directed entirely towards football. Of all those at Ajax, the spotlight in the period leading up to the close of the window was primarily on technical director Jordi Cruijff. Ajax’s sporting director was certainly not idle. He looks back positively on the past busy weeks and months.