It wasn’t easy, but Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv started off on the right foot defeating SC Ashdod 1:0 on the opening day of the Ligat Ha’Al Youth League with the help of Dan Glazer’s 54th minute goal. Next Matchday Maccabi will visit Bnei Sakhnin.
The first half began a bit sluggishly as one could see that both teams were just opening up the season showing some rust. Maccabi dominated the play for the first 45 minutes but couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities in front of the Ashdod goal. Near the end of the half, midfielder Or Dasa’s individual effort resulted in a strike from 20 meters out that the Ashdod ‘keeper deflected to the crossbar but Lazar Dragovic couldn’t convert the rebound as the half ended scoreless.
Under-19 coach Ziv Arie made a couple of substitutions to begin the second half as Ran Vaturi and Eylon Almog came in for Amit Rosenboim and Dragovic. The personnel changes almost paid immediate dividends as Maccabi’s attack became much more dangerous than in the first half and in the 54th minute the Yellow-and-Blue were rewarded for their efforts. Captain Dan Glazer gave Maccabi a 1:0 lead as his 20 meter shot found the back of the goal. As the half continued, Maccabi continued controlling the tempo but Almog and Amit Shapira’s chance couldn’t find the goal. Near the end of the match the players began to tire and lose concentration but we’re able to hold on for the win and the 3-points on Matchday One.
