Sunderland U21s weather storm in European test
Sunderland U21s began their Premier League International Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jong PSV at the Stadium of Light in their first competitive outing of the season. The game marked Matt Craddock's first competitive fixture in charge of the young Black Cats after replacing Graeme Murty during the summer.
Ding-dong battle between Sunderland and Jong PSV
PSV carried plenty of threat of their own, though, and Alese had to make an important block after seven minutes following an excellent run down Sunderland’s left. Timur Tutierov then had Sunderland’s best opening of the early exchanges in the 15th minute. The Ukrainian danced his way into the PSV penalty area but was eventually crowded out, with Ogunsuyi available to his left.
Two minutes later, Whittaker registered Sunderland’s first effort on target. Some neat combination play involving Ogunsuyi and Tutierov created the opening, but Whittaker’s tame effort from outside the area was comfortably gathered by PSV goalkeeper Styn Kuusten.
It was the visitors who made the breakthrough, however, and they did it spectacularly. Keziah Ogene Mensal produced a marvellous improvised overhead kick which gave Sunderland goalkeeper Joe Cowan little chance and put PSV ahead.
PSV nearly add second before instant Sunderland response
Boet Wouwers almost doubled the Dutch side’s advantage in the 25th minute when his long-range strike whistled over Cowan’s crossbar, but Sunderland responded almost immediately at the other end. The Black Cats broke quickly and worked the ball across to Felix Scott, who took a touch, showed impressive composure and waited for the defence to commit before calmly slotting home to level the scores at 1-1.
Sunderland began to grow into the contest again after the equaliser. Harrison Lightfoot forced a good save in the 32nd minute as the rain and thunder returned, while PSV’s Souleymane Side saw an effort deflected behind for a corner as both teams continued to probe. The best chance to take a lead into the break fell Sunderland’s way with nine minutes of the half remaining. Tom Proctor produced a beautiful flick to release Whittaker, who found himself with a clear sight of goal but dragged his effort wide of the post.
It was a chance Sunderland really should have taken, leaving an entertaining and competitive first half finely poised at 1-1.
Sun shines on second half at Stadium of Light
The sun came out for the start of the second half at the Stadium of Light, with the weather improving significantly. Sunderland continued to press for a winner, but PSV’s defence held firm.
Sunderland are currently 7th in the Premier League, with 42 goals scored and 48 conceded this season. They are 31 points behind leaders Arsenal and have a recent form of 4W-1D-0L. Their next fixture is against Ipswich on August 22nd.
With their young players showing great resilience and determination, Matt Craddock’s side will be looking to build on this performance and take all three points in their next game.
