They wrote their own fairy tale last season. Came from far, very far after a number of very difficult years. They wanted to compete again, to be attractive. But the men of Amsterdam have achieved much more. To the surprise of both friend and enemy, the outsider for the first prize was in their hands at the end of May with the championship trophy. Saturday during the season opener against Hurley (5-1 victory), that was a lively memory that offers no guarantee for this season.
‘It was one of the best days of their career for everyone in our team. One that we will never forget. Not just because of the result. Also because of the atmosphere. When I looked back on the images, I really noticed. The blue part of Kampong, the red part of us. The fierceness of the supporters, who really got wild. Really unprecedented, for field hockey. Maybe not everything that happened was, but it was really unique. ‘Laugh:’ I was on holiday in Zeeland immediately afterwards. Was unable to read a book, because I was still so busy with all the impressions. ‘
Of course, after the first game of this season, Amsterdam -Coach Rick Mathijssen has no problem bickering back to that unforgettable May 29 of this year. The first title in thirteen years, after a shoot-out victory against Kampong. And that after two seasons in the right row. Chic Amsterdam regained his grandeur. Like a beautiful old house that squeaked and cracked, but was renovated again.
David Huussen after his beautifully effective solo with teammate Mustapha Cassiem. Photo: Bart Scheulderman
The empty Wagener and the blob of Mayo
While Mathijssen thinks about that unforgettable high point, mini-hamburgers and beers go around in the lounge of the Wagener Stadium. Fairly festive. We cannot say the same for the legendary location. Rarely has a full Wagener as far away as Saturday. That was only because three of the four stands were fenced because of an approaching demolition. The crowd, which was therefore only in the captures, was not exactly spoiled before the break. That only happened in the second half, which started a little later because – you don’t come up with – a child dropped a blob of mayonnaise on the field during the break.
Only the sleeves on the sweaters of Amsterdam Saturday were a tangible remnant of last season. They now wear the logo of the Euro Hockey League, in which the team is one of the top three teams in the Netherlands. “It’s great what we have experienced,” said Mathijssen. “We won’t just step over it. But we should not linger there for too long. Then we will not make the play -offs. No matter how nice it is, there is a very thick line under last year. I don’t even know where the Championship Bowl is in the clubhouse. ‘
‘I also don’t think we will defend our title this year. We attack it again, that’s how we want to play field hockey. That is another mentality. Because we have nothing, “it sounds emphatically. ‘There are again seven candidates for the play -offs. We absolutely belong there. But it’s not like we stand out because of last year. ‘
The stylish Substiker Mica Pruyer. Photo: Bart Scheduleman
At the Alcaraz
It all happened much faster than Mathijssen expected. He started a year ago with the three -year mission to make Amsterdam attractive again. To restore his shine, go back to the top and compete for the title. In that order. So that project ended up in a pressure cooker.
‘Once we skipped for years and achieved a goal. But after that it is not ready yet. Look, Carlos Alcaraz recently won the US Open. After that he didn’t like it either. He will open for the Australian soon. We also want more and compete in many areas this year. In the competition, in the EHL, in the hall and there we also play European. ‘That last tournament is of course not a main event. “But another price. And that is very nice after all the years in which Amsterdam played for nothing. That’s boring. ‘
Amsterdam can do that with a selection that has only become stronger. All Star players stayed on board and the desired international experience came in Doel. As a result, Joren Romijn had to give up his place to the English International Ollie Payne. Piquant: Romijn immediately faced his old club during the season opener. Especially in the first half he kept excellent. ‘Joren also did fantastic work last season. Partly because of him we won the final. But for our defense it is very good that Payne is now, who has a little more experience with important moments in large competitions. We need that.
No Lucas Middendorp, but striker Pruyser does
Youth Internationals Lucas Corstens (Schaerweijde) and Tjeerd Boermans (HDM) and Homegrown Robin van Ede made their debut for Amsterdam on Saturday. That was not yet the case for Lucas Middendorp (Klein Switzerland). The cousin of star player Floris Middendorp is still recovering from a foot break. The same applies to Lee Morton, the Scottish back. They will both be out for four weeks. Striker Sam Steins Bisschop also missed on Saturday, but is expected on Thursday – which is already the second round.
Due to the filled Sickbay, Amsterdam called on the former international Mirco Pruyser on Saturday. He stopped two and a half years ago with top hockey. The 36-year-old striker scored a brilliant characteristic goal (the 2-0): take it, ultra-short turn, rock hard. “He is our rush -hour coach,” says Mathijssen proudly. “He fully picks up that attacking part. We established on Thursday that he would participate. Isn’t it great that he still competes with the boys he trains himself? Isn’t that fun for everyone? ‘
After that goal, Amsterdam ran to 5-1. The first tick can be made in the post championship year. ‘It was a must to win this competition. We did that. Sunday we are the only ones in front of TV with Popcorn, with three points in our pockets. Delicious. ‘
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