Telstar lost 1-0 to Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar on Sunday evening. The only goal of the match came in the 19th minute from AZ striker Mexx Meerdink.
The home side dominated possession for large periods and created the better chances. Telstar defended resolutely for long spells but could not turn their defensive work into meaningful attacks on the AZ goal. The result means Leeroy Echteld's side head into the international break with a defeat.
AZ started strongly and immediately put Telstar under pressure. The early goal from Meerdink, who finished from a Valdemar Byskov Andreasen cross, gave the hosts control. Telstar tried to force more possession afterwards but struggled to break AZ's grip on the game. AZ midfielder Dave Kwakman summed up the performance afterwards. "I think this is a prime example of winning ugly," Kwakman said.
The loss keeps Telstar in 13th place in the Eredivisie, with five points from seven matches. The team now trails leaders AZ by fourteen points. Recent form is a concern, with no wins in the last five league games. The full standings show how tight the mid-table battle is.
The next opportunity for points comes in two weeks, when Telstar host ADO Den Haag at home. ADO currently sit in 17th place. The home fixture on October 11th represents a key moment in the season's planning. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page. Telstar's squad for the coming matches is listed in our squad overview.
First reported at nhnieuws.nl
