U17s celebrate 2-1 win over Bochum

Borussia Dortmund's U17s got off to a successful start in Group A of the DFB Youth League's, defeating VfL Bochum 2-1.

In an intense match, coach Karsten Gorges' charges put in an impeccable performance, especially in the first half. Enzo de Pina Duarte dos Santos, the new arrival from Luxembourg, and Marwan Mirza laid the foundations for victory with their goals in the 28th minute and 45th minute respectively. The visitors from the VfL academy pulled one back in the 63rd minute through Lumiere Santo.

Gorges had to make do without Niklas König, who was ill, but striker Diego Branco, who had just recovered from a flu-like infection, was able to make it onto the bench and help secure the three important points later on. Damian Kolano replaced König in the right-back position, Marwan Mirza, who like Luca Riedl and Ahmad Naijdi had just returned from international duty in Portugal with the Germany U16s, started at right-back. Enzo de Pina Duarte dos Santos played in the number-ten role.

BVB quickly hit their stride against the physically dominant and well-drilled visitors. The Black & Yellows looked focused across the park and always found footballing solutions going forward against the compact Bochum defence. The running lines were coordinated, the automatisms functioned, and the team was full of enthusiasm. "I'm pleased and proud of how they performed as a team, especially in the first half," commented a satisfied Karsten Gorges.

And they had good opportunities to take the lead early on, but the usually reliable Jemain Kusi missed the target twice from promising positions. The opening goal was the result of a fine solo effort from Enzo de Pina Duarte dos Santos, who gave VfL goalkeeper Noel Ferrara no chance with a well-placed shot from 14 metres out. The second goal was also an eye-catcher: De Pina Duarte dos Santos won the ball in midfield and slipped it wide to Julian Driedger, who crossed perfectly for Mirza. The right-back, who covered an enormous distance of 13 kilometres over the course of the game, netted with a first-time finish. 

The Bochum side repeatedly landed jabs in this compelling and hard-fought derby. BVB goalkeeper Mattis Wehrbein was the heart of the action on several occasions. He was powerless in the second half when VfL were rewarded for their good performance with a goal scored by Santo. The final phase went back and forth; Bochum attacked, Borussia defended with dedication and counter-attacked when the opportunity presented itself, coming close to scoring once or twice. 

"That was a very good start. We want to put ourselves in a leading position in this group and finish top of the table," said Karsten Gorges, setting out an ambitious goal. On Sunday (11:00 CET), the U17s continue their campaign at home to Union Berlin, who lost 1-0 to VfL Wolfsburg in their opening game.

U17: Wehrbein – Kolano, Riedl, Ritter, Driedger (70, Branco)– Faust (64, Adji), Fahrenhorst, Zarqelain (70, Najdi)– de Pina Duarte dos Santos  - Mirza, Kusi (90, Heavens).

(wiwi)