A late goal by midfielder Matan Hozaz proved insufficient to prevent Maccabi Tel Aviv's Under-19s from losing 2-1 to ironi Kiryat Shmona
Having taken seven points from their last three matches to return to the upper reaches of the national Youth Premier League table, Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar' set out today for a tricky away tie against ironi Kiryat Shmona. On their last travels, MTA's Under-19s returned with a 0-1 victory over Ashdod FC but this time luck was not on their side. After a goalless first half, Kiryat Shmona scored two quick goals after the restart and conceded only one in reply, by MTA midfielder Matan Hozaz, close to the final whistle. As a result, Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" return from matchweek seven in the Youth Premier League having suffered a 2-1 loss to the home side.
Making his maiden appearance for "Shachar" was MTA Under-17 striker Raz Yitzhak, who at the beginning of the week scored five goals for the Israel national Under-17 side who thrashed Lichtenstein in the European Championship qualifiers. Today he teamed up with captain Dor Jan in attack but neither succeeded in breaching a stubborn Kiryat Shmona defence in the first half. The hosts, looking for only their second victory this season, also failed to find the net before the break and the referee's whistled signalled an end to a goalless first half.
Despite "Shachar" head coach Ziv Arye making several second half changes to freshen up his ranks, the hosts dominated proceedings and in two five minute intervals shortly after the restart Kiryat Shmona's Josh Chindad and Ophir Takiar put their side two goals in front. It was not until five minutes from time that Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" were able to pull one back, a penalty taken by substitute Matan Hozaz, the midfielder's first of the season. The match ended 2-1 in the home side's favour and sent Maccabi's Under-19s home to face Hapoel Rishon Lezion at Kirayat Shalom in matchweek eight of the Youth Premier league, which will be played in three week's time.
