Matchday 9 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al featured Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv at Hapoel Beer Sheva at Wasermil Stadium. The young Yellow & Blue are in 10th place on the table while Beer Sheva are in 5th and winless in their last two matches. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s attack included Or Dasa, Eyal Hen and William Ageda.

Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Noam Cohen, Alon Strosberg, Fadi Najar, Tomer Mahluf, Eden Kartzev, Eylon Almog, Prince Thomas, William Ageda, Or Dasa, Eyal Hen.

First Half
Beer Sheva had the opening chance of the contest in the 5’ when Tomer Yosefi’s free kick was parried away by Peretz for a corner, while two minutes later the Yellow & Blue had their first opportunity of the contest when the club’s new striker William Ageda’s attempt from the top of the box went over the goal.

In the 8’ Hen came down the left side and cut into the middle but his shot was taken care of by the Reds keeper as the next twenty minutes or so was played in the midfield without any chances by either side. Or Dasa tried to find the far corner of the goal from long distance in the 27’ but the keeper made the stop. Prince Thomas also took an attempt from outside the box but his shot went over the bar while three minutes later Thomas again tried to put the ball into the far corner but the keeper was up to the task as the half ended goalless.

Second Half
The second half opened with play primarily in the midfield, but in the 53’ Kartzev sent a through ball to Ageda on the right who in turn crossed it to Hen however, the Reds cleared it away from any danger. Oneminute later Beer Sheva’s dangerous corner found Noam Diai but his header went out.

In the 69’ Thomas made his way into the box but his shot went over the bar and in the 76’ Kartzev’s free kick also went over the goal. Two minutes later, Ageda sent a ball to Hen who was free in front of the goal but his attempt went over the bar by centimeters while in the 80’ Beer Sheva’s Itamar Shabiro went one in one with Peretz but the shot stopper made the save to keep his clean sheet intact.

As the match headed into the final minutes and a goalless draw loomed, Maccabi finally found the back of the goal via a 84’ penalty. Thomas crossed the ball into the box which hit the hand of a Beer Sheva defender good for a spot kick that Kartzev slotted home for a 1:0 lead. Three minutes later, the young Yellow & Blue almost doubled the score but Thomas’s chance was saved by the keeper’s fingertips and sent out for a corner. However, just as the contest was about to end, Shalata who had come on as a substitute, sent a cross to Hofmayster who scored from in close to give Tzarfati’s squad a tidy 2:0 win.

Hapoel Beer Sheva “Shlosha” – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv, 12:00 Wasermil Stadium (U19)
The Under-19 side visits the southern city on Matchday 9 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The young Yellow & Blue find themselves in 10th place while the hosts sit in 5th. For directions via WAZE Click Here.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv – Maccabi “Yoel” Haifa, 10:30 Kiryat Shalom (U17)
After advancing in Cup play last week, the Under-17 squad will look to keep up the positive momentum against the Greens from the Carmel on Matchday 8. Maccabi is in first place while Haifa is in 4th on the table. For directions via WAZE Click Here.

SC Beer Sheva “Tzav Pius” – Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv, 11:00 Racer 1 Beer Sheva Training Facility (U16)
The Under-16 Team returns to action after the break and will travel to Beer Sheva on Matchday 9. The Yellow & Blue are in 7th place while the southern side sits in 14th with a lone victory. For directions via WAZE Click Here.

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv – Maccabi “Max” Haifa, 10:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 South)
Last week, the U15 south side advanced in Cup action and this Saturday they’ll head up north for a Matchday 7 date with Maccabi Haifa. The young Yellow & Blue are in 4th place, only 3 points off the top of the table Carmel Greens while a win will help move them closer to first place. For directions via WAZE Click Here.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 2:1 SC Ashdod
The Under-19 squad was back in action after the break as they hosted Ashdod on Matchday 8 of the Youth Premier League. Guy Tzarfati’s side fell to the southern port city team with Eylon Almog scoring the Yellow & Blue’s lone goal. For the full match report click here.

Hapoel Herzliya 0:5 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv
After last week’s win, the Under-17 club played an away match in the State Cup as they looked to keep up their positive momentum from league play which is exactly what they did in fine style. Bar Cohen scored a brace while Omri Ran, Shay Belhassen and Nir Berkovic all scored for the Yellow & Blue. Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon spoke about the match: “You could see the difference in quality between the sides from the first minutes until the last. Herzliya tried to close down the match and barely attacked. When you have a match where the differences between the clubs is so stark then you have to make sure you are ready like it’s a match of the season to make sure there are no Cinderella stories which happen all to often in Cup play. We advanced to the next stage in the State Cup and we return to league action against Maccabi Haifa next week which is always challenging and very interesting. We will come ready to win the match just like we do against any club at any time and any place.”

SC Ironi Or Yehuda 1:6 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 South team moved on in State Cup action after defeating Or Yehuda 6:1. Ori David’s players continued their form from league play as Itay Ben Cimon and Ohad Mizrahi each scored a brace while Elad Kaplan and Rom Gross each added goals for the young Yellow & Blue. David summed up the win: “It was a good match and we played according to the club’s standardized way of playing which led to 6 goals, although we weren’t accurate enough on our last attack.”

Ramat Eliyahu 1:3 Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 North squad also recorded a State Cup victory away at Ramat Eliyahu, punching their ticket to the next round. Omer Senior, Rani Nof and Yonatan Paz scored for Asaf Heber’s side: “This was a typical Cup match where our opponent played back and their players were waiting on long balls. We went down in the 1’ but after a few minutes we drew even and it was only near the end of the match where we were able to break down the opponent and we scored two goals. This was important win as we continue on our way.

Matchday 8 of the Youth Israel Premier League saw Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv host SC Ashdod at Kiryat Shalom. The young Yellow & Blue are in 7th place on the table while Ashdod sits in 5th and have gone three matches without a defeat.

Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI included: Daniel Peretz, Noam Cohen, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Tomer Machluf, Eden Kartzev, Yoav Hofmayster, Netanel Peretz, Muflah Shalata, Eyal Hen, Eyal Hen.

First Half
Maccabi “Shachar” had their first chance in the 8’ when Hofmayster sent a through ball to Almog who left it for Kartzev, but his shot went off of a defender and went over the bar by centimeters. A minute later, Shalata found Almog who put the ball in the goal but was called offside by the referee as the Yellow & Blue continued to control the pace of play.

In the 15’ Ashdod had a dangerous chance via Gal Aviv but Peretz was in place to clear the ball to safety, however, five minutes later the visitors took the lead. Yoni Siasi picked up the ball in the middle of pitch and went in on Peretz who couldn’t stop the striker for a 1:0 advantage. Ashdod took a two goal lead in the 25’ when Siasi took a loose ball and again put it by Peretz to make it 2:0. In the 35’ Shalata tried his luck from long distance but the Ashdod keeper made the save. Right before the break, Avi Butbol had an opportunity from inside the box, but Peretz made the terrific save to keep the deficit as is after 45 minutes.

Second Half
Prince Thomas came in at the start of the second half and had a chance to pull a goal back in the 51’ but his fine attempt went off of Ashdod defender and out, while two minutes later, Hen left a ball for Almog but his shot went over the goal.

In the 65’ Kartzev left the ball for Thomas who in turn sent a powerful shot towards the goal, but the Ashdod keeper came up big yet again to keep his clean sheet intact. Two minutes later, Cohen came steaming down the right side and crossed the ball to Hen but his chance went out. Finally the Yellow & Blue would cut the lead to 2:1 when Netanel Peretz found Almog who beat the Ashdod keeper. Maccabi almost found the equalizer five minutes later when Hen sent the ball to Almog on the left who in turn crossed it to Peretz, but his header just grazed the post and went out. Almog had one last chance to draw the hosts even but the Ashdod keeper made the stop yet again as Maccabi fell 2:1.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – SC Ironi Ashdod, 11:00 Kiryat Shalom
The Under-19 Club is back in action after a lengthy break. The Yellow & Blue will host Ashdod on Matchday 8 in the Youth Premier League as the visitors find themselves one point ahead of Guy Tzarfati’s squad.

Hapoel Herzliya – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, 16:15 Herzliya Country Club Pitch Ran A
After a league win last week, the U17’s will play away at Herzliya in State Cup action. The young Yellow & Blue will look to keep up their positive momentum from league action.

SC Ironi Or Yehuda – Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv, 10:30 Moshava Synthetic
The Under-15 South team will have State Cup action on Saturday when they visit Or Yehuda as Ori David’s squad will attempt to continue their winning ways.

Agudat Sport Ramat Eliyahu – Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv, 08:30 Ramat Eliyahu
Asaf Heber’s side play in the State Cup at Ramat Eliyahu as the young Yellow & Blue will look to move on to the next stage of the competition.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv faced Hapoel Acre’s First Team and drew 1:1 in an exciting and intense matchup that was played at a very high level and featured many chances from both sides. Eden Kartsev helped the young Yellow & Blue draw even.

The Under-19 squad had many dangerous chances but couldn’t find the winner as Prince Thomas hit the post while Eyal Hen and Adir Hardon came up short on good opportunities in front of the goal. Keeper Daniel Peretz made a couple of amazing back to back saves near the end of the match that kept the 1:1 scoreline intact as Guy Tzarfati’s side was dominant while dictating the high level of play and controlled the ball for much of the contest.

Head Coach Guy Tzarfati summed up the match: “We played well and I’m very happy with my players. The intensity and their quality showed and we received compliments from the Acre staff. We have to keep up this pace and continue to play well when we face Ashdod this Saturday.”

On December 18th the Maccabi Academy will hold open an training day for goalkeepers from throughout the country. The Youth Department will see which keepers will impress and those who do will be invited for trials with the various teams in the Academy.

To register for the Goalkeeper training day please fill in the form by emailing iainy@mtafc.com

The professional staff will also take part in this special day as will the goalkeeping coaches of the youth department teams including the head goalkeeping coach Israel Ainy who is responsible for the Academy’s Goalkeeper Department. The Under-19 squad’s keepers will also take part in the day’s activities.

A keeper who impresses the staff will be invited to the Academy for trials to see if they can join one of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth department teams. Along with keepers who are interested in attending the open training day, amateur keepers as well as professional keepers are also welcome to participate from across the country.

Throughout the day there will be specific training for keepers by age group according to the philosophy of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Academy. There will also be various goalkeeper competitions and prizes for the most outstanding keepers.

The open training day will take place on December 18th (should there be an overwhelming response a second day will be added on December 19th).
Time: 11:00-16:00 (the full schedule will be published soon)
Goalkeeper ages Boys – 8-16
Goalkeeper ages Girls – 10-12

Please fill in the following details and email them to: iainy@mtafc.com

1. Full Name
2. Sex M/F
3. Birthdate
4. Height/weight and glove size
5. How many years have you been playing as a keeper?
6. Are you currently registered as an active player on a team?
If you are a keeper from another club that would like to participate in the goalkeeping day you must have an approval from your club that you are allowed to participate in the open day.
7. Mobile phone number, parents number, address, email

Medical consent:
Active player – please attach a current medical consent form to the email
Players on trial, amateurs etc… – please attach a medical consent form from your family doctor.
Date
Parent signature

Youth Club midfielder, Or Dasa, who has recently made the best of an opportunity to be a part of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s First Team, was called up to the Under-21 Israel National Team for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

Head Coach Marko Balbul will have Dasa available for Thursday’s away match at Kosovo who are in third place with 6 points after 4 matches and at home against Germany next Tuesday at Ramat Gan Stadium. The Under-21 side currently has 4 points in three matches thanks to a home win over Azerbaijan and a draw in Norway.

Maccabi “Shmuel” Haifa 3:0 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv
The club’s Under-19 side fell to their rivals from the Carmel on Matchday 7 of the Youth Premier League. The loss moves the team into 7th place, 8 points off of the top of the table. The young Yellow & Blue will now go on a 3-week break. For the full match report click here.

Bnei Sakhnin 0:4 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv
Eliezer Ben Aharon’s squad continued their positive momentum with yet another win in league play by defeating Bnei Sakhnin on Matchday 7. The Yellow & Blue sit atop the table with 7 wins in as many matches thanks to goal scorers, Raava Assayag with a brace, Gil Ben Shalosh and David Dego. Ben Aharon summed up the win: “We played on a tough pitch which was very small. The win was thanks to the way that our players were able to perform and how the Sakhnin team played. We prepared for the match and it worked as we scored quality team goals at the highest of levels. Now it’s on to the next challenge.”

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 2:2 Hapoel “Yoram” Rishon Le’Zion
The club’s Under-16 side split the points with Rishon Le’Zion on Matchday 8 after leading 2:0. Nehorai Bitton and Or Roizman scored for Maccabi. Head Coach Raymond Atteveld looked back at the match: “The match began very focused and very well as to what we had worked on this past week in training. After 5 minutes of play we should have been leading as we had a great chance but we failed to score. The attackers have to know the importance of scoring goals which is as important as the defensive work and not allowing goals. We scored the first and second goals but we weren’t able to kill the game, many chances but not enough goals. One mistake allowed the opponent to come back into the match. Mistakes happen during the game but the most important thing is to how the team reacts to those mistakes. We didn’t know how to deal with the mistakes and after an error a number of players were upset and displayed their frustration including at the referee. It’s time that one knows how to respect the referees regardless of their decisions. Rishon was able to draw even on a ridiculous penalty and the match ended in a disappointing draw. As a coach in the Academy I understand that there is a process of learning from mistakes and I hope that the players will learn quickly as it’s time that we understand that we are Maccabi and that we don’t give gifts to the opponents. We will continue to learn and improve.”

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv 6:0 Hapoel Asheklon
The Under-15 South side got back onto the winning track after defeating the southern outfit on Matchday 6. The young Yellow & Blue are in first place and are undefeated so far this season. Ariel Belhassen, Elad Kaplan, Itay Ben Kimon, Oscar Gloch, Mor Siman Tov and Ener Osmandi all scored in the win. Head Coach Ori David spoke about the victory: “We didn’t play as well as we could have in the first half and as we weren’t as quick and missed some chances. We were much better in the second half and played at an excellent pace which led to two fantastic goals.”

Hapoel Petah Tikva 4:3 Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 North squad fell for the first time this campaign as they lost to Petah Tikva on Matchday 6. Despite the defeat, the young Yellow & Blue sit in 4th place just 3 points off the top of the table. Omer Senior scored a brace while Aviv Pelles added a single marker. Coach Asaf Heber commented: “After a long period of time that we played well, we didn’t play aggressively enough and we weren’t as focused. We led twice in the first half but the hosts tied us up twice and we went into the break even. We gave up two goals at the start of the second half and we were just able to get one goal back near the end of the match.”

About the play after the Derby match:
“Were disappointed in how we played and we didn’t except to lose, especially as to how we looked. But we have to tell the truth that Haifa beat us in all the parameters that a team must do to win a football match. There are games like this. We have to take a look at the video and also look at ourselves in the mirror to see what we did wrong and correct the mistakes. We will take that and move on to the upcoming matches.”

Did Haifa surprise you?
“They didn’t surprise us as the Youth League is very competative this season and they still have some quality players. I believe that we are more surprised in ourselves. We made many mistakes on defense and we weren’t able to control the ball as we lost it numerous times, which is something that I can’t accept and it’s something that we must correct.”

The refereeing:
“Refereeing is part of the game and there can be dialogue between the coach and the referee, that’s part of the game as well. But you can’t cross the line and perhaps the referee took it more seriously that he had to, but my concern is the match itself and not the refereeing.”