Rotterdam – Heerenveen were on the road for their match against Sparta Rotterdam but were defeated 3-1 despite getting off to a fast start on 4 November.
Iranian striker Reza Ghoochannejhad provided the assist for center back Jerry St. Juste to give Heerenveen a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute.
It only took six minutes for Sparta to equalize as Stijn Spierings scored a goal after connecting on a cross from Kenneth Dougal.
Two minutes Zakaria El Azzouzi tapped in a pass from Craig Goodwin to put Sparta Rotterdam in a 2-1 advantage.
This was a frustrating match for Heerevneen as they dominated possession but found themselves playing from behind and couldn’t find the equalizer in the second half.
In the 68th minute Heerenveen left back Caner Cavlan was whistled for a hand ball outside the penalty area and Craig Goodwin scored on the ensuing free kick to give Sparta a nice cushion with a 3-1 lead.
Ghoochannejhad came close to cutting the lead in stoppage time but was denied by keeper Roy Kortsmit.
Heerenveen will host Vitesse on 19 November after the international break.