FC Utrecht were left without any points in their home match against AZ. For some time the match seemed to be heading for a draw, but a lucky goal by the players from Alkmaar just before the end meant a 1-2 final score.

A magnificent goal. And those who do not have a photo but can get their hands on film footage, please play it as often as you can. The equaliser in the match FC Utrecht – AZ scored by Patrick Joosten, was a real beauty. The midfielder, who started in the line-up for the first time this season, assessed the setting, aimed and gave the ball the right direction and speed. Out of Sergio Rochet’s reach and hitting the inside of the post the ball went in. A real scorcher and an important goal: 1-1.

Norwegian guided missile
This tied the score in a not so very edifying first half. FC Utrecht fell behind with an equally beautiful goal. Markus Henriksen scored the goal half-way through the first half. From an awkward position the Norwegian freed himself from FC Utrecht players who were in his way and netted the ball like a guided missile into the far top corner (0-1).

Luck goal makes the difference
AZ went to the dressing room as leader of the match at half-time.  The team played a pretty good level, but did not get more or better chances than FC Utrecht.  It was Hendriksen’s lucky shot that decided the half-time score, it wasn’t an attack that was rounded off nicely.

Jahanbakhsh decides the match
Also the third and final goal of the afternoon was scored with a long shot. Dabney Dos Santos passed the ball to Alireza Jahanbakhsh and the Iranian international launched a shot that was not very hard, but was well-aimed. Five minutes before the end the ball was netted into the far corner, which brought the score to 1-2.

Pressing
With new face Richairo Zivkovic and returnee Edson Braafheid in their midst FC Utrecht then tried to score the equaliser, but by pulling out all the stops AZ managed to prevent that.

Vitesse away
The next match for FC Utrecht is scheduled on Friday. Trainer/coach Erik ten Hag’s team will play against Vitesse in Arnhem and the kick-off is at 20.00 hrs. Tickets for the away area are available through the internet and in the FC Utrecht Fanshop.
 
FC Utrecht - AZ 1-2 (0-1)
25. Markus Henriksen 0-1
53. Patrick Joosten 1-1
84. Alireza Jahanbakhsh 1-2

Yellow card: Ridgeciano Haps (AZ).

Attendance: 15,570.

Referee: Richard Liesveld.

Line-up FC Utrecht:
Robbin Ruiter; Giovanni Troupée (60. Edson Braafheid), Ramon Leeuwin, Willem Janssen, Kevin Conboy (85. Gyrano Kerk); Rico Strieder, Patrick Joosten, Sofyan Amrabat, Yassin Ayoub; Rubio Rubin (69. Richairo Zivkovic), Sébastien Haller.

Line-up AZ:
Sergio Rochet; Mattias Johansson (46. Fernando Lewis), Rens van Eijden, Ron Vlaar, Ridgeciano Haps; Derrick Luckassen, Stijn Wuytens, Markus Henriksen; Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Fred Friday (59. Wout Weghorst), Levi García (70. Dabney Dos Santos).