IJsselmeervogels U21 won a five-goal thriller against AFC Reserve 3-2 in the Netherlands U21 league on September 26, 2026. A late winner from Daan van den Berg sealed the points after the visitors had twice fought back to level the score.

IJsselmeervogels U21 edge AFC Reserve in five-goal contest

The match was a showcase of Dutch youth football at its most entertaining: quick transitions, brave pressing, and no shortage of goals. IJsselmeervogels started strongly and took an early lead, but AFC Reserve showed resilience to equalise twice. Just when it looked like the game would end level, van den Berg struck in the 88th minute to send the home supporters home happy.

Match overview

IJsselmeervogels played with a direct, high-energy style, looking to get the ball forward quickly to their front two. AFC Reserve preferred to build from the back, and their patience created several promising moments. However, they were repeatedly undone by IJsselmeervogels’ set-piece threat and relentless running in the final third.

Key moments

• 7’ – Jan de Vries gave IJsselmeervogels the lead with a close-range finish after a corner.
• 22’ – Thomas van Leeuwen equalised for AFC Reserve, finishing a neat team move.
• 45’ – Pieter Bakker restored the home side’s lead with a header from a free-kick.
• 63’ – Ruben de Jong made it 2-2, pouncing on a defensive mistake.
• 88’ – Daan van den Berg won it for IJsselmeervogels, latching onto a through ball and slotting past the goalkeeper.

Tactical story

IJsselmeervogels’ 4-4-2 was designed to press AFC Reserve’s midfield and force long balls. The plan worked for large spells, though AFC’s technical quality allowed them to play through the press at times. The home side’s substitutions made a clear impact, with fresh legs in wide areas stretching the game late on. AFC Reserve will be disappointed with their defending from set pieces, which ultimately cost them.

Standout players

Daan van den Berg was the hero, showing composure for the late winner and causing problems throughout. Pieter Bakker was dominant in the air and scored a crucial goal. For AFC Reserve, Ruben de Jong was lively and took his goal well, while Thomas van Leeuwen showed excellent movement and link-up play.

Netherlands U21 table impact

The three points lift IJsselmeervogels U21 up the Netherlands U21 standings and continue their strong run of form. AFC Reserve remain a competitive outfit but will need to tighten up defensively if they are to climb the table. With young players developing quickly, this match offered a glimpse of the future talent coming through the Dutch football pyramid.