The Swiss came into the game looking to end the season with a win. Swiss enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half and squandered some good chances as they looked to break down the Dutch defence. Early Swiss momentum took a blow when Topher suffered a season-ending injury after a heavy Dutch challenge. The Dutch stayed organized in the back, looked dangerous a few times on the counter, and opened the scoring with a well taken free kick into the top corner.
Subsequent Swiss frustration after giving up the goal was short lived and the sides were back on level terms just before the break. Andi showed excellent composure outside the Dutch box to dink past a couple defenders and slide a pass to Federico, who finished with aplomb.
Swiss continued to dominate possession in the second half, and Kapitan Patrik Hefti put the Swiss in the lead sending a well-placed glancing header into the Dutch net. Swiss legend Urs Brutsch extended the lead with an excellent half volley blistering past the keeper. Swiss tempo dropped and the Dutch came alive in the game and scored a well-taken goal to cut the Swiss lead to one. Dan Patton then capped off his season by going down in the Dutch box under not insubstantial pressure. Christian Schultess stepped up to convert from the penalty spot, which allowed him to overtake an American whose name has long been forgotten as the team’s top scorer and making sure that a volatile season has ended with a positive result.
Many thanks to the Dutch for a fair game - looking forward meeting you on the pitch soon again!