Standout star sets early tone for Volendam | OneFootball

Benjamin Pauwels opened the scoring in the second minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box, as Volendam drew 1-1 at Excelsior.

The Belgian forward found space on the left early on, stepped inside and drilled low into the bottom-right corner. The clean technique from distance gave Roy Steur's side an instant platform away from home.

After the restart, Pauwels stayed central to link play, sliding a pass for Juninho Bacuna whose effort was blocked (59.). He later latched onto Henk Veerman's knockdown but steered his shot wide from the centre of the area (70.).

Pauwels' output underlined his threat: two attempts with one on target, three successful dribbles and five ball recoveries. He also produced two key passes and three touches in the box, consistently carrying Volendam up the pitch.

His ability to receive between the lines and commit defenders kept Excelsior retreating, while his work without the ball helped Rick Kruys' men reset pressure and protect their shape.

Volendam host Telstar next. Excelsior visit Sparta Rotterdam next.