FC Dordrecht strengthened its push for the third period title in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie on Friday evening with a 1‑0 home victory over FC Emmen. The win, secured at the M‑Scores Stadion, moved the club into a favourable position with two matches remaining in the period, according to the club’s own match report and the official fixture list on Sofascore.
Match overview
The contest began with both sides probing for openings, but it was the second half that delivered the decisive moment. Stéphano Carrillo, the young forward on loan from Feyenoord, broke the deadlock shortly after the break. An incisive pass from midfield partner Yoon Doyoung set Carrillo free, and his low drive into the far corner left Emmen goalkeeper Celton Biai with no chance. The goal marked Carrillo’s third of the season and his first after a goalless first half of the campaign.
Defensively, FC Dordrecht remained compact. Central defender Jan Plug, also a Feyenoord loanee, marshalled the back line with composure, limiting Emmen’s chances to a handful of late attempts. Despite two late surges from the visitors, Biai was able to keep his side in the game, but the Dutch side’s disciplined shape held firm.
Key performers
Stéphano Carrillo’s strike not only broke the deadlock but also underscored his growing influence since joining Dordrecht. The Mexican forward, who had struggled to find the net in the first half of the season, described his recent form as “a return to confidence” in post‑match comments shared with the club’s media team.
Jan Plug’s contribution was equally vital. The central defender’s positioning and aerial ability helped Dordrecht absorb Emmen’s pressure in the closing minutes. Plug’s steady presence was highlighted by coach Dirk Kuyt, who noted that the defender “provided a reliable anchor for the team when the opposition pushed forward.”
Coach Dirk Kuyt’s perspective
In the post‑match press conference, former Dutch international and new Dordrecht manager Dirk Kuyt praised the collective effort. He emphasized that “the forwards have been scoring in recent weeks, and everyone is involved in creating chances.” Kuyt added that maintaining pressure on the opposition “creates the moments when the goal finally comes.” The coach also reflected on the team’s defensive organization, stating that “the control we have shown at the back gives us confidence to push forward.”
Kuyt’s comments were captured in an interview with ESPN following the match, a moment documented in a stock photograph of the coach at the M‑Scores Stadion on 13 February 2026 Alamy image.
Implications for the promotion race
The three points keep FC Dordrecht unbeaten in their last six league outings, a streak that includes five victories. The win also saw direct rivals Almere City, RKC Waalwijk and Jong PSV drop points, tightening the battle for the upper half of the table.
Looking ahead, Dordrecht faces Jong Ajax and Jong PSV in the final two fixtures of the period. A victory in both games would virtually guarantee the club a place in the promotion play‑offs, according to the club’s internal projections. The continued form of Carrillo up front and the defensive stability provided by Plug are expected to remain central to the team’s strategy as the season progresses.
What’s next?
FC Dordrecht’s next league engagements are scheduled for next week, with the club set to travel to Jong Ajax followed by a home clash against Jong PSV. Updates on squad availability and tactical plans will be provided by the club’s communications office ahead of each match.
Fans and followers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the performance and the upcoming fixtures in the comments below, and to stay tuned for further coverage of FC Dordrecht’s promotion push.
