ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (Interstat) — Excelsior U21 began its UEFA U19 Championship qualification campaign with a 1-0 victory over Fort Sittard U21 on Tuesday at Van Donge & De Roo Stadion.

Defender Thindra Mattsson scored the game’s only goal in the 30th minute, converting service from midfielder Filippa Sjöström. The assist was one of three yellow cards issued in the match, with Sjöström, Excelsior’s Nova Selin and substitute Milena Ivanchenko all booked.

The result defied pre-match projections that slightly favored the visitors. Excelsior starts its NED: U21 Divisie 3 season at 1-0-0, while Fort Sittard opens at 0-1-0.