Maccabi midfielder Eran Zahavi had a penalty saved by Ashdod keeper Roi Mishpati just past the hour mark of a pre-season friendly that ended in a goalless draw
After returning home and to practice, Maccabi Tel Aviv held their first pre-season friendly on Israeli soil last night at their training ground Kiryat Shalom against Ashdod FC, whose new head coach, ex-Maccabi star and coach Nir Klinger, watched proceedings from the touchline. The first half was fought largely from midfield, with Maccabi dominating possession but failing to make any significant attempts on Ashdod keeper Roi Mishpati's goal. After the restart Maccabi once again dominated midfield and began to create real threats in attack and just past the hour mark referee Liran Liani gave a penalty for an Ashdod foul in the area. Maccabi midfielder Eran Zahavi stepped up to the spot but the Ashdod keeper chose the correct corner for his defence and saved Zahavi's kick. The final half hour of the match failed to provide goals for either side with the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ashdod FC ending in a goalless draw. On Thursday Maccabi will host Hapoel Rishon Lezion for a second pre-season friendly to which supporters are invited to attend.
Within the next two days the the Leann ticket agency will finish their handling of the waiting list for the purchase of Maccabi Tel Aviv season tickets, with an estimated 8,500 2013/14 season tickets already sold. Thereafter sales of season tickets will be open to the general public of Maccabi supporters who also wish to show their unwavering support for the club throughout the coming season. In other news, on Sunday members of the Maccabi squad will come to Bloomfield Stadium to put their signatures on the Championship package that includes a photo album and a DVD of the "Unforgettable Moments" of the past season. The photo album will already be available today at the official Maccabi Tel Aviv online shop.
