AMSTERDAM — A pair of Americans enjoyed big club nights on Tuesday, with Bryan Gerzicich and Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona taking the headlines as they repeated as Toto Cup Al champs with a penalty-kicks victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv in Petah Tikva.
Gerzicich, who hit the crossbar with headers early in each half of regulation, eventually departed in the 108th minute. After playing 90 scoreless minutes, the teams traded goals in the first extra session before IKS raised the trophy with a 4-3 shootout decision.
As this is Israel's secondary domestic cup, it doesn't come with a Europa League berth — not that this fact will trouble Gerzicich and teammates, who lead the league in pursuit of a Champions League invite.
Meanwhile, over in Belgium, Sacha Kljestan and Anderlecht moved nine points clear at the top of the Jupiler league with a 3-1 rally win over visiting Gent. The former Chivas USA man worked his typical 90 minutes in central midfield, helping the Mauves storm back from an early deficit.
Thanks to a first-half Milan Jovanović double and a late capper from Matías Suárez, Anderlecht won a third straight league match for the first time since October.
