Published
2025-10-26
Third time lucky: Union triumph after two disallowed goals against STVV
Union secured their second victory in the Jupiler Pro League under coach Hubert. Union ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from substitute Rodriguez in the second half. David and Burgess both saw first-half efforts chalked off for offside, but after the break Rodriguez delivered the goods to seal all three points for our Unionists.
Sint-Truiden came flying out of the blocks. The surprise package of the opening matchdays of the regular season showed they were hungry for maximum points once again. Union were on the back foot in the early exchanges but gradually found their rhythm.
Promise David burst through on goal, but his effort was blocked. In the 8th minute, Union thought they had broken the deadlock. Following a throw-in, the ball pinballed around the area before falling to Khalaili. He squared it for David, who coolly slotted home, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
In the 11th minute, Sebaoui suddenly latched onto a long ball in the box, but Mac Allister produced a crucial intervention to deny STVV the opener. The forward was bearing down on goal, but the Argentine got a vital touch.
In the 25th minute, Sissako fouled Van De Perre and Union were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position. Schoofs stepped up and thundered the ball against the crossbar. In the scramble, the ball rebounded off Mac Allister to Burgess, who tucked it away, but once again VAR intervened. The goal was disallowed, this time for Mac Allister being in an offside position.
In the dying stages of the first half, STVV were awarded a dangerous free-kick. The ball struck the roof of the net via a header. Barely a minute later, Goto popped up in the box, but the Japanese forward dragged his effort wide.
Sint-Truiden emerged from the tunnel with intent and from their first attack, Goto's clever back-heel flashed past the post. The visitors continued to threaten with several dangerous efforts that required keeper Scherpen to be alert.
Third time proved the charm for Union. Super-sub Rodriguez found space down the left flank and decided to go it alone. The Ecuadorian weaved through the defence and rifled the ball into the net: 1-0. Moments later, Ait El Hadj teed up Rodriguez for a potential second, but this time he couldn't beat the goalkeeper.
In the 82nd minute, Sint-Truiden earned a dangerous corner. Scherpen produced a fine save to keep the visitors at bay. From the rebound, Goto lashed his effort over the bar.
In the dying moments, Rodriguez wrapped up the points in style. Following a throw-in, the ball worked its way through midfield to Rodriguez, who curled it into the far corner: 2-0, game over.