FC Twente soccer players advance after win in topper against Ajax

FC Twente’s footballers have qualified for the quarter-finals of the KNVB Cup at the expense of cup holder Ajax. At Sportpark Het Diekman the leader of the Eredivisie won 2-1 against the number two.

Earlier this season it was 3-1 in Enschede during the league game between the two teams. Then Twente took a 2-0 lead and this time too.

In the first half, there were chances for both teams, with the biggest of all being for Twente. After a handball by Ajacied Quinty Sabajo, the ball went to the spot and Fenna Kalma was given the go-ahead for a penalty kick.

However, the top scorer of the premier league season saw her effort turned away by goalkeeper Lize Kop.

Just after halftime, Kalma did get to cheer. A free kick, just outside the Twente penalty area, was shot forward by Caitlin Dijkstra, after which Kalma found the far corner with a volley.

After an hour of play, Renate Jansen doubled the score by finding the top right corner beautifully from the side. Ajax found it hard to make a fist, but in the closing stages of the game they managed to create some tension.

However, Roos van der Veen’s goal was not enough to give Twente a real boost.

Rotterdam also faced two teams that are close together in the premier league rankings. At Sportcomplex Varkenoord, number five PSV was 4-1 too strong for number six Feyenoord.

At the end of November, the two teams met in Eindhoven and then too the Eindhoven team drew the longest, 3-1.

In Rotterdam, however, the first blow was dealt by Feyenoord. Amber Verspaget headed in a cross from Zoï van de Ven to make it 1-0. PSV had repaired the damage before halftime through goals by Laura Strik and Chimera Ripa.

Just after halftime, Senna Koeleman made it 1-3 after a blunder by Feyenoord goalkeeper Jacintha Weimar and the game was immediately played. Janou Levels scored the final goal with a hard shot into the far corner to make it 1-4.