A bad run of results continues for MTA's U19s with a 2-5 defeat to Hapoel Rishon Lezion
Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" hosted Hapoel Rishon Lezion in matchweek 7 of the national Under-19 Premier League and suffered their third consecutive loss 2-5. Maccabi hoped to get back on track after one draw and two losses in their three preceding fixtures, but failed to prevent yet another defeat. The visitors started out strong and by half-time already lead 1-4, with midfielder Guy Cohen Maccabi's only goalscorer. Despite a slight improvement in their second-half performance, a lone goal by Shawn Goldberg was all Maccabi could muster and the visitors added one of their own toward the end of the match to seal an unflattering 2-5 result.
The opening moments of the game seemed to conform to what was predicted to be a balanced affair between the two sides. But ten minutes into the match the delicate balance was broken by Rishon's Yaron Abaliav, whose long-range strike left Maccabi keeper Gal Tovali no chance and handed Hapoel Rishon Lezion a one-goal advantage. Six minutes later the score was already 0-3 for the visitors: Two successful spot kicks by Rishon's Kobi Mor fizzed past Gal Tovali. To make matters worse Maccabi's Dean Akafi was shown a red card after an altercation with the referee and head coach Amir Turjeman was forced to use one of his substitutions to send on Sahar Hason to replace an injured Gal Tovali. Just past the half hour mark "Shachar" midfielder Guy Cohen managed to reduce the deficit to 1-3, but the hope of getting back into the game was quashed just one minute later when Rishon's Hen Fitussi scored a goal that took the visitors into the break leading 1-4.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's players improved slightly in the second half, exerting more pressure on Hapoel Rishon Lezion's goalkeeper Hen Asael. Strikers Gael Margulies, in his first game in the Under-19 first eleven this season, and Dor Jan tried but failed to find the net. A goal was scored by defender Shawn Goldberg in his debut appearance this season, just five minutes after entering the game as a substitute. But despite their control on the pitch, Maccabi were unable to find the net and the final goal of the game was scored by the visitors from Rishon Lezion. A deflection by Sahar Hasson and a clearance off the line by defender Shachar Piven proved insufficient and in a third attempt, visiting defender Eldar Barda finally put the ball in the net.
At the end of the game with Hapoel Rishon Lezion the score stood 2-5, marking a third consecutive loss for Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar", who will set out for a difficult away game next Saturday against Ironi Kiryat Shmona.
