Perfect Hat Trick
Sorry guys but I've been down with the flu 🤧
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The air was crisp as the Ajax U15 team prepared for their match against FC Twente U15. The sun was setting over Amsterdam, casting a warm glow across the field. Coach Johan Berg gathered his players for a final pep talk before they took the field. The unbeaten streak had now reached four games, and today's game would be a test of their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
As the players gathered in the locker room, Coach Berg outlined the key tactics for the match. He pointed to a whiteboard displaying the expected formation of FC Twente and highlighted the areas where Ajax needed to focus.
"Twente plays with pace and width," Coach Berg explained. "Their wingers are quick, and they like to cross from deep positions. Our full-backs need to stay disciplined and communicate with the central defenders. Don't let them create easy chances. We're going to press high and control the midfield. Everyone clear on the plan?"
The players nodded, their expressions determined. Alex Bram knew that his role as a left winger would be crucial in both attack and defense. He needed to create scoring opportunities while also tracking back to help the defense. He glanced at Steven Gerben, his teammate on the right wing, who gave him a confident nod.
The referee blew the whistle, and the match began. FC Twente started strong, pressing aggressively and trying to catch Ajax off guard. Their wingers were fast and dangerous, forcing Ajax's full-backs to stay alert. Paul Jose, the attacking midfielder, worked hard to maintain control in the center of the pitch, while Ruben van den Berg and Martijn Bakker, the central defenders, kept a close eye on Twente's strikers.
In the 15th minute, Ajax had their first real chance. Paul Jose won a free kick just outside the penalty area. Alex Bram stepped up to take it, his "Bend It Like Beckham" skill on full display. He curled the ball over the wall, but Twente's goalkeeper made a fantastic save, tipping the ball over the crossbar. Ajax won a corner kick from the effort.
Paul Jose took the corner, sending a high cross into the box. Ruben van den Berg rose above the defenders and headed the ball toward the goal. It hit the post and bounced back into play, where Richard Klein, the center forward, attempted a follow-up shot, but it was blocked by a Twente defender.
The first goal came in the 25th minute, but it wasn't for Ajax. FC Twente's right winger made a quick run down the flank, crossing the ball into the box. Ajax's defenders were caught off guard, and Twente's striker tapped in the easy chance, putting them ahead 1-0. Coach Berg urged his players to stay focused and not let the early goal shake their confidence.
Ajax responded with a high press, putting pressure on Twente's midfield and forcing turnovers. In the 35th minute, Steven Gerben intercepted a loose pass and quickly moved the ball to Paul on the left wing. Paul dribbled past his marker, cut inside, and delivered a precise cross to Alex Bram, who headed it into the net. The equalizer brought Ajax back into the game, and the score was now 1-1.
The crowd roared with excitement, and Ajax's confidence grew. They began to control possession and create more scoring opportunities. In the 42nd minute, Paul Jose made a clever pass to Alex Bram, who was cutting inside from the left wing. Alex took the ball in stride and unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot that curled into the top corner. The goal gave Ajax a 2-1 lead just before halftime, and the team celebrated the well-executed play.
At halftime, Coach Berg praised the team's performance but reminded them that they needed to stay disciplined. FC Twente was a dangerous team, and they couldn't afford to give them any easy chances.
"Great work in the first half," Coach Berg said. "But we need to stay focused. Twente is going to come out strong, so we need to be ready. Don't let them back into the game. Let's keep the pressure on and secure the win."
The second half began with Twente pushing forward, trying to find an equalizer. Ajax's defense held firm, with Ruben van den Berg and Martijn Bakker making crucial tackles and interceptions. Tommy Reed, the goalkeeper, made a spectacular save, diving to his left to keep out a close-range shot.
In the 60th minute, Ajax extended their lead. Steven Gerben made a brilliant solo run from his own half, weaving through Twente's midfield with speed and skill. He reached the edge of the box and struck a low shot into the bottom corner, making it 3-1. The crowd erupted, and the Ajax players celebrated the stunning goal.
Twente responded with renewed intensity, creating several dangerous chances. In the 70th minute, they scored their second goal after a miscommunication in Ajax's defense. A cross from the right wing found an unmarked Twente striker, who headed it into the net, narrowing the score to 3-2.
Coach Berg urged his players to stay calm and maintain their discipline. The pressure was mounting, and Ajax needed to hold on to their lead. Paul Jose and Steven Gerben worked hard to control the midfield, while Alex Bram continued to create chances on the left wing.
In the 80th minute, Ajax secured the victory. Alex Bram received a pass from Paul Jose near the edge of the box. He skillfully dribbled past two Twente defenders, using a reverse step-over to create space. With his right foot, he struck the ball into the bottom corner, completing his hat trick and sealing the 4-2 win for Ajax U15.
The final whistle blew, and the Ajax players celebrated their victory. Coach Berg praised the team's resilience and teamwork, reminding them that the unbeaten streak was still alive.
"Great job, everyone," he said. "We showed a lot of character today. Let's keep this momentum going and continue to improve. We have more matches ahead, so let's stay focused and work hard."
As the team headed to the locker room, Alex Bram felt a sense of pride in his perfect hat trick. He had scored with his left foot, right foot, and a header, showcasing his versatility and skill. His total for the season now stood at 12 goals and 8 assists, a remarkable achievement for a left winger in the U15 league.
The journey was far from over, but Alex Bram was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. The unbeaten streak was more than just a goal—it was a testament to the team's resilience and commitment. With Coach Berg's guidance and the support of his teammates, Ajax U15 was ready to keep making history.