Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Hapoel Petah Tikva 2:0

The Under-19 club got back onto the winning track at Petah Tikva thanks to goals by William Agada and Eden Kartzev as the young Yellow & Blue kept a clean sheet

Matchday 13 of the Israel Youth Premier League pitted Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv against Hapoel Petah Tikva as the club’s Under-19 team sat in 5th place with 3 wins and a draw over their last four matches. The host’s came into the contest in 15th place with just 2 league wins. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s attack included Or Dasa, Eylon Almog and William Agada.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Amit Glazer, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Tamir Glazer, Eden Kartzev, Prince Thomas, Or Dasa, Eylon Almog, William Agada.

First Half
Maccabi went on the offensive right from the get to and in the 2’ a Thomas free kick almost found the back of the goal but keeper Yair Hemo made the timely save and sent the ball out for a corner. Ten minutes later, Kartzev tried his luck from long distance but Hemo was in place while in the 15’ a mixup on the Yellow & Blue defensive end gave Yakir Natan a chance in close, but the opposing midfielder couldn’t get a good attempt off.

In the 22’ Dasa took control of the ball in the midfield and went by two defenders, but his opportunity was taken care of by Hemo. Four minutes later Petah Tikva midfielder Tal Zuares came in off the right wing and crossed the ball into the middle but Natan’s header missed the target. As the match hit the 38’ Agada went streaking down the left side, beat a defender and passed the ball to Almog, but his chance was saved by Hemo. Just before the halftime whistle Dasa took the ball in the midfield, but his shot from the top of the box was stopped by the keeper as Maccabi controlled the pace in the first half, however, went into the break goalless.

Second Half
Maccabi tried to break the ice early on in the second half, but in the 54’ it was almost Petah Tikva who would score first as the host’s found the back of the goal, however, it was ruled to be offside. Finally, three minutes later, the young Yellow & Blue would take a 1:0 lead when Almog came down the left and sent a magnificent cross to Agada who headed the ball home. With the U19’s pressing, they would find their second of the contest when Kartzev took a marvelous through ball and beat Hemo on a one-on-one situation for a 2:0 advantage.

In the 75’ Petah Tikva striker Ofer Osher’s chance from the top of the box made its way by the Maccabi defense but missed the post by centimeters. Six minutes later, substitutes Tomer Altman and Eyal Hen played give and go, but Hemo made the stop and in the 87’ Altman’s attempt in the box was saved by the host keeper yet again as Maccabi “Shachar” took home the 2:0 win and the three points.

Matchday 13 of the Israel Youth Premier League pitted Maccabi “Shachar” Tel ...

Honoring the Legacy of Avi Cohen z”l

This past Friday marked 7 years since the tragic death of one of the club’s greatest players. The Youth Academy marked the day as Guy Zukerman, the Youth Department’s Manager spoke about Cohen both as a person and as a player

Avi Cohen z”l will always be thought of as one of the greatest players in the history of Maccabi Tel Aviv. When the term Maccabist is used, the thought of Avi is the first thing that comes to mind. With phrases like, “To be part of Maccabi Tel Aviv is to be the greatest, the most beautiful and the most successful” Avi entered the Yellow & Blue pantheon outside of the stadium as well. But of course it was number 5’s qualities on the pitch that separated him from the rest. To remember the legendary captain on the anniversary of his passing, Guy Zukerman, the Youth Department Manager spoke to the youngsters about Avi Cohen z”l right by the area dedicated to him at the Youth Academy compound.

On December 29, 2010 Maccabi Tel Aviv lost one of their greatest players in a tragic accident that shook the entire Israel football world.

Cohen was one of the all-time greats and will be remembered as one of the players who will be emulated by many until the end of time. He played the “Libero” position, a central defender who moved up in the attack, which was thought to be a much more modern way to play during his era. He was able to score one of the most memorable goals in the 1978/79 Derby due to this style of play.

Cohen made 64 appearances for the Israel National Team between 1976-1988 and scored one goal for the Blue & White. Following his playing career, Cohen coached a number of Premier League and Leumit League clubs while also serving as the President of the Players Association. On March 6, 2012, Maccabi Tel Aviv named the training facility at Kiryat Shalom after Avi Cohen z”l which will be an everlasting memorial for one of the greatest to ever wear the Yellow & Blue.

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Youth Department Action Saturday December 30, 2017

The Under-19 side heads to Petah Tikva, the U17’s host Netanya while the Under-16 squad travels to Ashkelon. That and all of the other Youth Department matches are inside

Hapoel “Nahum Stelmach” Petah Tikva – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv, 13:00 Sirkin Sportek Stadium (U19)
The Club’s Under-19 side visits Hapoel Petah Tikva with the goal of narrowing the gap at the top of the table on Matchday 13. The young Yellow & Blue are in 5th place and have 3 wins and a draw in their last 4 matches while the hosts are in second to last place with 8 league defeats.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv – Maccabi “Yehonatan-Yoni” Netanya, 10:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U17)
Netanya visits Eliezer Ben Aharon’s undefeated Under-17 squad at Kiryat Shalom on Matchday 12. Maccabi “Oded” are in first place while Netanya find themselves in 11th with 3 league wins so far this campaign.

Hapoel Ashkelon – Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv, 11:00 Ashkelon Training Pitch – 3 (U16)
After an away win at Hapoel Beer Sheva this past week, the Under-16 team visits Ashkelon on Matchday 13. The young Yellow & Blue are in 3rd place with 7 league victories while the host’s sit in 11th with one win out of their last 4 matches.

Maccabi Jaffa Kabilyo – Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv, 08:30 Neve Golasa (U15 South)
Last week, Maccabi “Eldad” found the back of the goal eight times against Rishon Le’Zion in the “Match of the Season” and this weekend they will visit the Jaffa side on Matchday 11. The Under-15 South club are undefeated in first place while the host’s are in 14th place with only one league win.

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Raanana, 08:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 North)
With four straight league wins, the Under-15 North squad will look to keep up the positive momentum against Raanana on Matchday 11. The young Yellow & Blue are in 3rd place just 3-points off the top of the table while the visitors are in 7th with 5 league wins.

Hapoel “Nahum Stelmach” Petah Tikva – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv, 13:00 Sirkin ...

Yellow & Blue Youth Department Results December 23, 2017

The Under-19 side drew against the top of the table club Maccabi Netanya, the U16’s defeated Beer Sheva while the Under-15 South squad scored 8. Watch the highlights

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 1:1 Maccabi “Shlomi” Netanya
After three straight league wins, the U19 side drew with first place Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 12 of the Israel Youth League Ligat Ha’Al. Ran Vaturi’s dramatic goal in added time helped the young Yellow & Blue salvage a point. Guy Tzarfati’s squad will look to get back onto the winning track next week against Hapoel Petah Tikva. For the full Match Report Click Here.

Hapoel Kfar Saba 2:4 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv
The Under-17 team visited Kfar Saba on Matchday 11 as Eliezer Ben Aharon’s side defeated the hosts on goals by Tal Yegudayev (2), Bar Cohen and Dan Lugassi. Ben Aharon summed up the match: “The first half saw us control the play but the quality of the pitch gave us problems finishing. In the 30’ Kfar Saba went down to 10 men but took the lead at the start of the second half. We were able to quickly come back and take a 4:1 lead in 20 minutes. We then gave up a goal on a clear offside near the end of the match. I want to point out that I was very happy as to how much the whole team wanted to win, from the players on the bench to those on the pitch and because of that we were able to come back after we gave up a goal. There were a few players that took responsibility during some of the difficult minutes and they were able to influence the outcome of the game. I can see a huge improvement in our defensive play in general and that’s something that we really focused on this past month. We’ll continue on to Wednesday when we play a State Cup match at Beer Sheva with the goal of advancing to the next stage.”

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 5:1 Hapoel Beer Sheva
The U16 side hosted Beer Sheva on Matchday 12 and the win moved Maccabi “Eli Fuchs into third place ahead of Beer Sheva, only 5 points from the top of the table. Or Roizman, Yali Lazar, Tal Torjman, Shachar Rosen and Yishay Bozorgi scored for the young Yellow & Blue. Assistant coach Jeffrey Yishai spoke about the match: “All in all we played a good game. Our play down the wings was good as most of the goals came from there. Also from a defensive perspective the players down the wings defended well and helped close down the opponent. Our defensive game has improved, however, we still have to work on how we defend set pieces. We will continue to work on that and improve over the next few matches.”

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv 8:1 Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion
The U15 South squad defeated Rishon in the “Match of the Season” as the two clubs were in the top two positions on the table with the same record as Ori David’s club remains unbeaten and now occupies sole possession of first. Elad Kaplan and Oskar Glok scored braces while Rom Gross, Shon Edri, Itay Ben Kimon and Orel Azarzar also found the back of the goal. Ori David summed up the win: “This was an important win in the “Match of the Season”. We played well for most of the contest and we scored some terrific goals which gave us a chance to see some of the player’s qualities as they rose to the occasion. I’m very happy.”

Hapoel “Nir” Haifa 0:4 Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv
The club’s positive momentum continued after last Matchday’s win along with a midweek State Cup victory as the Under-15 North side won in convincing fashion over the Carmel Reds. Omer Senior, Aviv Palas, Kamil Jabara and Ben Lineker scored. Head Coach Asaf Heber summed up the win: “We prepared properly for an opponent that likes to play the long ball. We pressed all over the pitch in order to prevent the long balls and were in the right position to take care of them. We moved the ball into the empty spaces and we attacked very quickly. I’m very happy for the guys and we are working very hard for exactly this reason. Now we will get ready for Raanana next week.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 1:1 Maccabi “Shlomi” Netanya After three straight league wins, ...

Maccabi “Shachar” draws 1:1 against Netanya

After three wins in a row the Under-19 side drew against Netanya. The Yellow & Blue tied up the contest in the 90’ in a very aggressively played match. Ran Vaturi scored Maccabi’s goal

Matchday 12 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al saw Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv host Maccabi Netanya at the Ramle Stadium. The young Yellow & Blue entered the contest in 4th place with 3 straight wins while Netanya began the day in first place. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s attack included Eylon Almog, Eyal Hen and William Agada.

The balance of the starting lineup featured Daniel Peretz in goal along with Amit Glazer, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Tomer Machluf, Tamir Glazer, Eden Kartzev and
Prince Thomas.

First Half
The match began with most of the play taking place in the midfield as either club couldn’t break free for a chance on goal. Finally in the 12’ Almog took a short corner on the right side of the pitch, took a fine attempt but the opposing keeper Amit Merijen blocked the ball and sent it out.

In the 18’ the visitors had their first opportunity as they tried to find the goal from long distance but the ball was blocked by the Maccabi defense while 7 minutes later Netanya’s Yuness Malada took a ball at the top of the box but his shot went out. As the match hit the 37’ Kartzev sent a through ball to Eyal Hen on the left and went past a couple of defenders, sent it to Agada but his fine attempt was blocked by the keeper as the half ended goalless.

Second Half
The Yellow & Blue looked to score early on in the second half and in the 47’ Tamir Glazer sent the ball to Agada who turned in the box but was stopped by the Netanya defense while immediately after that Kartzev’s free kick was blasted at the visitors goal but Merijen made the save. In the 56’ Malada again threatened the Maccabi goal as he went into the box, but Peretz was up to the task and made the timely stop.

As the match continued at a quick pace, Netanya’s Ohad Hazot tried his luck from long distance in the 65’ but the ball went out while ten minutes later the striker Ram Goaga’s header was caught by Peretz as the visitors came closer and closer to scoring. And one minute later that’s exactly what they did to take the lead as Mustafa Baransi left Malada the ball which he promptly put into the Maccabi goal for a 1:0 lead.

Maccabi came close to drawing even two minutes later as Muflah Shalata sent a cross to Agada in the middle of the box, but his attempt just went over the bar while in the 83’ Sahar Barami also gave Agada a terrific ball but he sent it over the goal. As the match neared its end, Peretz made a finger tip save keeping out a Netanya insurance goal in the 90’ which turned out to be crucial as deep into stoppage time, Tomer Altman who had come on as a substitute found Vaturi who headed home the tying goal to split the points in a 1:1 draw.

Matchday 12 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al saw Maccabi ...

Tzarfati: “It’s always a challenge to play the top of the table club”

After the midweek win at Ramat Hasharon, the Under-19 coach Guy Tzarfati looked ahead to Saturday’s clash with the top of the table club, Netanya: “If we continue playing our way and the players keep performing, then I’m not worried at all”

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.”

This past Tuesday saw the Club’s Under-19 side, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv ...

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Youth Department Action Saturday December 23, 2017

The Under-19 squad faces Maccabi Netanya while the U17’s head to Kfar Saba. The Under-16 side hosts Beer Sheva and the U15s have important matches as well. It’s all inside

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 – Maccabi “Shlomi” Netanya, 12:00 Ramle Stadium (U19) After ...

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Ramat Hasharon 1:0

The Under-19 side continued their winning ways, this time against the club from the Sharon at Grundman Stadium on Matchday 11 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. Prince Thomas scored the lone goal (55)

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.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv visited Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon at Grundman Stadium ...