EVV vs MVV

MVV opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Mats Kuipers fed Thijme Verheijen on the wing and the winger finished to make it 0-1. EVV hit back in the 29th minute through Rik Jacobs, who levelled the score.

But MVV restored their lead before half-time — this time Verheijen turned provider, setting up Mats Kuipers to make it 1-2 in the 40th minute. The visitors went into the break ahead.

EVV pushed for an equaliser in the second half and found it in the 76th minute. Ryan Vierhout struck to make it 2-2, a result that held until full-time.

MVV's failure to add a third goal after Kuipers' strike. The Keuken Kampioen Divisie side made no outfield substitutions throughout the match — only a goalkeeper change at half-time when 17-year-old Sebastiaan Timmers replaced Sep van der Heijden — meaning tired legs in the final quarter allowed EVV to grow into the game. Vierhout's equaliser arrived with 14 minutes to play and MVV could not find a response.

Thijme Verheijen (MVV) — a goal and an assist from the left wing, linking effectively with Kuipers throughout the first half. His dribbling caused EVV consistent problems.

Mats Kuipers (MVV) — one goal and one assist, the reverse of the Verheijen combination. Direct and dangerous in wide areas.

Ryan Vierhout (EVV) — scored the crucial 76th-minute equaliser that earned the amateurs a deserved draw against a professional opponent.

Rik Jacobs (EVV) — opened EVV's account with a composed finish, the first equaliser of the evening.

MVV were the stronger side in the first half, creating two well-worked goals from their wing combination. The xG data (not publicly available for this friendly) would likely reflect MVV's first-half superiority, but EVV's persistence in the second period paid off. The lack of outfield rotations from MVV — unique in a pre-season friendly where mass changes are the norm — suggests Jonker was using this match to build fitness and understanding in a specific XI rather than chasing the win. Both teams created chances in an open second half, with the 2-2 scoreline a fair reflection of the balance of play.

For MVV, this extends their pre-season winless run to three matches (two draws and one defeat since the 4-1 win over Viktoria Köln on 12 July). After scoring zero goals in their previous two friendlies (0-0 vs Racing FC and 0-0 vs RFC Seraing), finding the net twice is a positive sign. Jonker's side next face SK Beveren on 25 July, followed by KAA Gent U23 on 28 July and Patro Eisden on 1 August before the Keuken Kampioen Divisie season begins.

For EVV, this is a creditable result against a professional opponent. The Derde Divisie side's second pre-season friendly showed they can compete with higher-level opposition, particularly after falling behind twice.

A useful workout for both sides. MVV's attacking combination play was a step forward after two goalless draws, but the inability to manage a lead against a lower-league opponent will concern Jonker. EVV showed character to fight back twice and will take confidence from the result.

Match details: EVV Echt 2-2 MVV Maastricht (HT 1-2). Goals: Rik Jacobs 29', Ryan Vierhout 76' — Thijme Verheijen 15', Mats Kuipers 40'. Venue: Sportpark In de Bandert, Echt. Competition: World Friendlies Clubs.