VELSEN, Netherlands (Interstat) — Telstar opened its Eredivisie season with a commanding 4-1 win over Jong Sparta on Wednesday at 711 Stadion, outperforming statistical projections.

Forward Sem van Duijn led the attack with two second-half goals. The home side set the tone early with rapid strikes from substitute Milan Zonneveld in the 31st minute and defender Jeff Hardeveld just two minutes later.

Jong Sparta’s lone reply came from midfielder Jelani Seedorf in the 88th minute. Telstar’s defense held firm despite late yellow cards shown to Jochem van de Kamp and Patrick Brouwer. The result defied a pregame simulator predicting a 2-2 draw, as Telstar began its campaign with a win while Jong Sparta started with a loss.