This past Tuesday saw the Club’s Under-19 side, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv defeat Ramat Hasharon 1:0 at Grundman Stadium. Following the match, Head Coach Guy Tzarfati spoke about the game that was, plus he looked ahead to Saturday’s contest against the first place squad, Maccabi Netanya.

About the win over Ramat Hasharon:
“I’m happy that we were able to continue the positive momentum and now we have won 3 matches in a row. It was important for me to see many minutes of quality football over the course of the match and not slow and sluggish play. I believe that other than the goal that we scored, we had three excellent chances that we should have found the back of the goal on thanks to some fine football. We’re happy to take the three points and then it was time to begin preparing for Netanya.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash against Netanya:
“It’s always a challenge to play the top of the table club. If we continue playing our way and the players keep performing, then I’m not worried at all. That’s our goal and we’re getting ready for the match with a ton of enthusiasm.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Maccabi “Shlomi” Netanya, 12:00 Ramle Stadium (U19)
After winning three matches in a row in league play, the Under-19 club hosts the first place side Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 12 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The Yellow & Blue sit in 4th place and a win on Saturday will pull them to within 3 points of the top spot as Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s player will look to keep up their positive momentum.

Hapoel Kfar Saba – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, 08:30 Kfar Saba Lower Synthetic Training pitch (U17)
The Club’s Under-17 team heads to Kfar Saba on Matchday 11 as Eliezer Ben Aharon’s side finds themselves in first place and are undefeated so far this campaign. The Greens are in 15th place and sport only one league win this season.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Beer Sheva, 10:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U16)
Matchday 12 features the Under-16 club hosting Beer Sheva as the sides sit in 6th and 5th place respectively. A win will help the young Yellow & Blue leapfrog the southern team.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion, 08:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 South)
The Under-15 South side welcomes Rishon Le’Zion as both teams are tied for first place entering Matchday 10 and are both undefeated.

Hapoel “Nir” Haifa – Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv, 14:30 Kiryat Haim (U15 North)
After a last second win last Matchday and a midweek Cup victory, the Under-15 North squad will look to keep up the fine plat when they visit Hapoel Haifa on Matchday 10. The young Yellow & Blue are in 3rd place only 3 points from the top of the table while the Carmel Reds are in 12th place having lost 6 of 9 contests.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv visited Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon at Grundman Stadium on Matchday 11 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The Yellow & Blue find themselves in 8th place while the hosts sit in 12th. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s attack featured Or Dasa who returned to the squad, Eylon Almog and William Agada. Daniel Peretz was in goal while Amit Mordehayov Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar Tomer Machluf, Tamir Glazer, Eden Kartsev and Prince Thomas were also on the pitch at the start of the contest.

First Half
The match began with Ramat Hasharon threatening the Maccabi goal in the 2’ but the Yellow & Blue defense cleared the ball to safety while two minutes later, Peretz needed to be alert as he made the save on a tough shot and sent it out for a corner. The next twenty minutes or so saw the game being played in the midfield with no clear chances on either goal.

In the 25’ Ramat Hasharon again threatened the Macabi goal as Peretz made a fine save off an attempt from long distance. The Yellow & Blue then went on the attack as Agada took the ball on the right and sent it to Almog on the left wing who left it off for Kartzev, but his scorcher was just saved by the keeper’s fingertips. In the 32’ Maccabi had another chance when Agada crossed the ball to Almog who in turn sent it into the box to Thomas, but his opportunity went over the bar.

Six minutes later, Almog volleyed the ball towards the goal but the keeper again made a superb save and in the 40’ Dasa sent a through ball to Agada who was alone in front of the goal, but his attempt just missed the post by centimeters and went out.

Second Half
The Yellow & Blue controlled the second half from the get go and in the 55’ their pressure paid off. Kartzev made his way towards the box and sent a gorgeous through ball to Thomas who made no mistake and put it behind the Ramat Hasharon keeper for a 1:0 lead.

Four minutes later, Maccabi again had a terrific chance as Kartzev sent a ball to Dasa on the right who left it for Thomas, but his header just went by the post. Eyal Hen came on as a substitute and in the 80’ he broke by two players and crossed the ball into the box, but it flew over everybody’s heads and went out. Ramat Hasharon had one final chance in the 90’ on free kick but the ball went into the Yellow & Blue defense as the match ended with Maccabi taking home a 1:0 victory for their 3rd win in a row. This coming Saturday the young Yellow & Blue will face Maccabi Netanya who currently sit in 1st place.

Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv (Tuesday December 19, location TBA)
After a fiver against Ashkelon last Matchday, the Under-19 side will look to keep up their positive momentum when they play at Ramat Hasharon on Matchday 11 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The young Yellow & Blue are in 6th place after two wins in a row while the hosts sit in 12th place and are winless in three straight.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Haifa “Ben Zion”, 11:00 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (Under-17)
The U17 squad will host the Reds from the Carmel on Matchday 10 as Eliezer Ben Aharon’s club sit atop the table in first place without a loss. Haifa are in 12th place and have won only two matches this season.

Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon – Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv, 08:30 Ramat Hasharon Synthetic (U16)
Maccabi “Eli Fuchs”, the club’s Under-16 team are in 6th place with six league wins as they head to Ramat Hasharon for a Matchday 11 date against the 11th place side who sport 3 victories.

Ironi Modiin – Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv, 14:00 Modiin (U15 South)
After a one week break the Under-15 South side is back in action with an away contest on Matchday 9 against the 11th place Modiin team who are currently in 11th place with one league win. Ori David’s squad are in first place and are undefeated.

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon, 09:00 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 North)
After finding the back of the goal 12 times last week, the Under-15 North club will look to keep up their winning ways against 10th place Ramat Hasharon who have lost two in a row on Matchday 9. The young Yellow & Blue are in third place just 3-points off the top of the table.

Six representatives from the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department were called up for the U18 Israel National Team. Head Coach Alon Hazan will have 20 players at his disposal for matches against Serbia and Germany.

The six Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department Players are:
Daniel Peretz, Amit Glazer, Tomer Mahluf, Alon Shtrozberg, Eden Kartzev and Mufleh Shalata.

The National Team will play against Serbia on Monday at the Shefayim Israel National Team Center and the next day Germany will play Serbia there as well at 18:30. On Thursday Israel will meet Germany at the Ramat Gan Stadium at 15:00.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 5:1 Hapoel Ashkelon
Following last week’s win over Hapoel Beer Sheva, the Under-19 club hosted Ashkelon and picked up the victory on Matchday 10 over their Southern rivals. The goals were scored by William Agada, Eylon Almog x2, Prince Thomas and Mufleh Shalata. For the full match report CLICK HERE.

Hapoel Beer Sheva 2:2 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv
The club’s Under-17 squad played away at Beer Sheva on Matchday 9 and took home a point that saw them remain in first place. Rave Assayag and Bar Cohen found the back of the goal for the young Yellow & Blue. Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon summed up the contest: “It was a very aggressive match and we led twice while bringing to the table some of the things that we prepared. The goals we gave up came on uncharacteristic errors and they are things that can happen. There were a lot of good things that I saw, but I also identified some issues with a number of players who were unable to get back to themselves after a mistake or a poor match. But that’s part of our role, to give the players the tools to be able to handle situations that don’t always go according to plan. Even though we drew, we were able to increase our lead at the top of the table to 4 points from the second place club. We will work on improving, organizing and fixing our play up as we move forward and look to be better tomorrow.”

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 2:1 Hapoel Petah Tikva “Emanuel Ofir”
After a victory last Matchday, the Under-16 side faced Petah Tikva on Matchday 10. The Yellow & Blue were able to take the 3 points thanks to goals by Tal Torjman and Yishay Bozorgi. Head Coach Raymond Atteveld looked back at the match: “We ended the day with a 2:1 victory. Although we won, we made our lives difficult. When the opponent refuses to play attacking football and their main goal is to slow down the pace of the match and defend, we should take control and increase the pace of the game. But during the match itself it wasn’t that simple. In order to win and to break down their bunker we had to move the ball quickly, change direction from the wings and attempt to put the balls over the defenders. After opening up the game, we needed to make sure we were in the correct position to score. We were able to get a number of chances, but we couldn’t break through because we weren’t in the right spots. We have to learn to play better as a team from this match. As they say, you learn more from the poor matches. We have a long way ahead of us, but it will be our way.”

Maccabi Yavne “Tzav Pius” 0:7 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 South squad continued picking up points and moved into first place on Matchday 8. Elad Kaplan scored a Hattrick, Oskar Glok put home a brace while Orel Azarzar and Anar Ushmadi also found the back of the goal. Head Coach Ori David: “This was an important victory over Yavne. We were very good for long periods of time . We scored some nice goals and I really enjoyed watching the guys play.”

Maccabi Barkai 0:12 Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv
Following last week’s win over Maccabi Haifa, the Under-15 North club headed to Kibbutz Barkai on Matchday 8 as the young Yellow & Blue scored 12 goals while keeping a clean sheet. Aviv Palas x2, Yonatan Paz x2, Omer Senior x2, Rani Noff, Guy Noff, Roie Shiron, Camil Jabra, Omer Rozio and Ben Lineker all scored. Head Coach Asaf Heber: “We played a weak opponent. It was important that we had specific objectives for this match and I’m happy that the players were able to complete them extremely well.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv continued its fine form after defeating Hapoel Ashkelon 5:1 on Matchday 10 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The Head Coach, Guy Tzarfati spoke about the match:

For the match recap CLICK HERE

“I told the players that it’s not everyday that you win 5:1 especially against a club that drew with Ashdod which was a team that beat us. I’m happy that we won a second straight match. We spoke about the desire to see a team game, where there would be a lot of attacking combinations and not an individualistic style of game. I believe that this was reflected today and I think we scored some brilliant goals. I like the spirit of the players and they are getting into the swing of things and are feeling better. We have to continue this way.”

About the second win in a row and gaining momentum:
“It’s important that the players are rewarded for their hard work. I want to point out that the two seasons I’ve been at Maccabi, the Youth Club as well as the whole department are working hard. Sometimes they aren’t used to the intensity on a Saturday, but once they get used to it, they will turn into more intense players like Or Dasa who was able to make the jump to the First Team. You’ll be able to see their intensity, speed and abilities on the pitch and that’s what I want from them.”

Looking ahead:
“We have a very important away match against Ramat Hasharon and they’re a strong club. Our organization and play on the pitch has been consistent and now the burden is on all of us to continue this way.”

Matchday 10 of the Israel Youth Premier League saw Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv host winless Ashkelon after defeating Hapoel Beer Sheva away last week. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati started the contest with Eylon Almog, Eyal Hen and William Agada on the attack.

First Half
The visitors had the opening chance of the game when Uzan Sheliel’a header went over Daniel Peretz’s goal while Eden Kartzev and Eylon Almog teamed up on a corner kick that saw the latter send the ball to Agada who put it over the bar.

In the 12’ Ageda made no mistake as he took a Almog Peretz cross and headed it home for his first goal for Maccabi good for a 1:0 lead. Two minutes later, Agada again tried his luck in the box, but the keeper sent the ball out for a corner. The ensuing corner saw Almog find the back of the goal from in close for a 2:0 advantage.

With Maccabi applying all kinds of pressure, they would score yet again as Prince Thomas and Agada teamed up for goal number 3 with the former picking up the strike. In the 36’ Thomas had a chance to add his second but the Ashkelon keeper made the save as the half ended with the Yellow & Blue sporting a 3:0 lead after 45 minutes.

Second Half
The second half began just as first half ended with Maccabi scoring their 4th in the 46’ as Almog sent a magnificent cross to Shalata who put the ball into the top of the goal for a 4:0 advantage. Four minutes later, Kartzev’s free kick found Almog, but his attempt was saved by the keeper while two minutes later Shalata sent a cross to Agada but the latter put the ball over the bar as the Yellow & Blue continued to control the match.

In the 58’ Yoav Hofmayster who came on as a substitute tried his luck from long distance but his shot went over the goal and Kartzev’s 69’ chance also flew over the bar. Five minutes later, Ashkelon pulled a goal back to cut the lead to 4:1 but Maccabi continued to press for another marker. In the 81’ Shalata sent a brilliant ball to Almog but he put it over the bar while 3 minutes later Agada’s chance was saved by the keeper’s fingertips.

As the match neared its end, Hofmayster and Almog teamed up on another corner as the latter’s attempt went into the defense and was sent out for another corner. In the 90’ Almog made sure to score his second of the match as he took a fabulous through ball and beat the keeper as the contest ended 5:1 in favor of the Yellow & Blue.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Ashkelon, 11:00 Toto Stadium Ramle (U19)
After a win away at Hapoel Beer Sheva, the Under-19 squad will look to continue their fine play when they face the 15th place team from the South. The young Yellow & Blue sit in 7th place as they enter Matchday 10.

Hapoel Beer Sheva – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, 11:00 Racer Beer Sheva, (U17)
The Under-17 side will play a tough away contest at Beer Sheva on Matchday 9. The Yellow & Blue are still perfect and will look to collect another 3 points against the 4th place club who have won two matches in a row.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” – Hapoel Petah Tikva “Emanuel Ofir”, 09:00 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U16)
Following their 10 goal performance last week, the Under-16 club who sit in 6th place will play against the 13th placed Petah Tikva squad who sport only two wins.

Maccabi Yavne “Tzav Pius” – Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv, 10:30 Yavne Derech HaNesiim (U15 South)
The U15 South club who find themselves in 2nd place with the same amount of points as the 1st place team, head to Yavne on Matchday 8 to face the 11th place side who have one victory this season.

Maccabi Barkai – Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv, 11:00 Kibbutz Barkai (U15 North)
After a win over Maccabi Haifa last week, the Under-15 North squad travel to an away match at Kibbutz Barkai on Matchday 8. The young Yellow & Blue are in 4th place just 3 points off the top of the table while the hosts are in last place.

Hapoel Beer Sheva “HaShalosha” 0:2 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv
The Under-19 squad visited the southern capital side on Matchday 9 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al and got back onto the winning track moving into 7th place. Eden Kartzev and Yoav Hofmayster scored for the Yellow & Blue. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati summed up the win: “This was a very important away win at a tough stadium. We’re continuing to work hard and we’re already looking towards next week. For the full Match Report Click Here.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv 2:1 Maccabi “Yoel” Haifa
After advancing last week in State Cup play, the Under-17 side continued their positive momentum with a win on Matchday 8 to keep the squad perfect so far this season. Asaf Heshqo and Rave Assayag found the back of the goal for the young Yellow & Blue. The Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon looked back at the match: “You can split the match into two. The first half we played well and controlled the pace but we couldn’t convert that into goals. Haifa was better in the second half but they missed the target and a little luck sometimes doesn’t hurt. Even though we didn’t play as well, we still were able to score near the end of the match to win an important contest against Haifa. The players were exhausted by the end of the second half and we will have to see why. We have another crucial matchup next week against Beer Sheva away and any contest in the southern capital is always tough. We will be ready and I’m proud of my players.”

SC Beer Sheva “Tzav Pius” 0:10 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv
The Under-16 side got back to action after a long break and defeated their southern rivals on Matchday 9. Yali Lazar scored a hat trick, Tal Torjman and Or Roizman scored a pair a piece while Afek Sapir Navot, Roie Mayan and Yishai Bozorgi all scored single markers in the lopsided win. Head Coach Raymond Atteveld said: “This was an away match at Beer Sheva after a long break and we faced an opponent who played very defensively looked to counter. In the first half we attacked from the middle of the pitch but we weren’t able to go wide enough and our play down the wings was much more effective. We still had to be careful about their counterattacks and there were times where we were careless in the back, but luckily didn’t give up any goals. After we scored the first goal the game opened up as they began to attack. We were able to take advantage of our play down the wings especially in the second half and we played at a very high pace. When we led 6:0, our opponent had a one on one chance against our keeper but he saved us from giving up a goal. We have to continue to play correctly regardless of the score. I’m happy that we were able to press the whole match and didn’t slow down. It was a good result after we worked hard on defensive elements of the game during the break. The players did a good job, the substitutes were hungry and they showed their desire that they want to be in the Starting XI. That’s how I want to see my club. We will continue to work hard and improve.”

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv 2:1 Maccabi “Max” Haifa
Last week the Under-15 North side made it to the next round of State Cup play and this week they defeated the Carmel Greens at Kiryat Shalom on Matchday 7. Rani Noff and Omer Senior scored for the Yellow & Blue to move closer to the top of the table. Head Coach Asaf Heber summed up the contest: “We came into the match with Haifa with a number of injuries and the guys did a great job and did what we had worked on in practice. Haifa controlled the ball more, but we were able to close up the passing lanes and put them under pressure in the middle of the pitch. We scored at the beginning of the match and although Haifa were able to draw even and come back into the contest, we were able to continue with our game plan and score a second goal that held up until the end.”