Meerssen vs MVV

Meerssen's second goal before half-time proved decisive. MVV had been slow to settle and the two-goal cushion allowed the home side to sit deeper in the second half, absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter. MVV created little in open play — a pattern their own coach acknowledged after the match.

"We didn't create enough chances," Jonker said in a post-match interview with L1. "We played a lot on Meerssen's half but created almost nothing in terms of goal attempts. We were punished by a counter-attack."

Bas Poper (Meerssen) — Scored the opening goal and led the line tirelessly, causing MVV's defence problems throughout.

Julian Tilmans (Meerssen) — His goal before half-time gave Meerssen breathing room, and his work rate set the tone for the hosts' disciplined performance.

Toni Vinogradac (MVV) — The only bright spot for the visitors. The forward scored a late consolation and was named MVV's goalscorer on a frustrating evening. "I'm very happy to have scored, but the team performance needs to improve," he said.

While detailed shot data is not available for this friendly, the narrative stats tell the story: Meerssen's two first-half goals from limited but efficient attacks against MVV's possession without penetration. The hosts defended deep with a low block after the break, and MVV — despite territorial dominance — managed only a handful of efforts, with Vinogradac's goal their only finish of note. Jonker's admission that his side "created almost nothing" from their time on the ball underlines the attacking work still needed.

For Meerssen, this is a statement win ahead of their Vierde Divisie campaign. For MVV, it is a reality check. Jonker, who took over in the summer, was without several key players — Bryan Smeets (who has indicated he wants to leave), Delano Assante, Camil Mmae, and Elano Silva Timas (all injured), plus Wout Coomans and Lars Schenk. The new-look squad has little over a week to gel before their next test.

MVV's preseason continues on 12 July against German side Viktoria Köln (behind closed doors), followed by fixtures against RFC Seraing (14 July), SK Beveren (25 July), KAA Gent U23 (28 July), Patro Eisden (1 August), and RFCU Luxembourg.

A familiar story for MVV: last year they lost 1-0 to Meerssen in preseason, and this year's 2-1 defeat follows the same script. The scoreline is no embarrassment for the amateur side but a clear warning for Jonker that his squad — still missing key attacking figures — needs reinforcements and sharpening before the Eerste Divisie season begins. Meerssen, disciplined and efficient, fully deserved their win.