LGU’s cup campaign was fully back on track today after an impressive 3-0 win against highly-fancied French team Somesterrine.

The enormous noise of the loyal Landgraffites made the LGU Arena a foreboding place for the travelling fans, and within just two minutes the massive stadium was even louder, as fan favourite Binoth Rooijmans capitalised on an early defensive error to curl a shot around the keeper from close range.

Seven minutes later his strike partner Peter Lewbrant had doubled the advantage with another impressive strike. Closed down by two defenders on the edge of the box, Lewbrant still managed to squeeze a shot from outside the box between the two and around the diving keeper.

LGU’s dominance was telling for the next twenty minutes, as they pulled their opponents’ defence around searching for an opening. They nearly scored a spectacular third; Janot in the Somesterrine goal was clearly confused when Steen Rud Risum‘s long-range shot bobbled off the pitch, but his relief was obvious when the ball came back off the base of the post.

Patrick Curtis had little to do but receive the ball from the ballboys following a few unconvincing attacks from the visitors, the most troubling coming in the 34th minute when Hellebuyck struck, but Curtis was equal to it.

Going in at 2-0 up, LGU coach Miguel Trincado Settier must have been on cloud nine, but would have been fuming when Fernando Adinolfi received a yellow card for a reckless tackle from behind on the troublesome Hellebuyck, who had a good chance from the resulting free kick that Curtis was glad to see pass the goal. Adinolfi continued to walk a tightrope for the remainder of the game before being wisely substituted in the 75th minute.

Settier’s shouting from the touchline must have spurred on his players as they built up another attack. Jonsson and Sorensson linked up well before feeding William Pierce on the edge of the box, whose crisp low shot skimmed past three defenders and into the bottom corner of the goal; 3-0 to a dominant Landgraff United.

LGU were satisfied with playing a defensive game for the remainder of the match, confident that their three vital points in this group stage were secure. At the back, Hoogstrate and Sorensson were strong and co-coordinated, and the famous midfield of Prince, Pierce, Delgado and Rud Risum made a magnificent showing with tireless running and playmaking.

Perhaps it could be Landgraff United’s year after all.

Next match: R.C.D. Espanyol vs. Landgraff United